Ordered a web sling online (I use them on all my ARs).  Guy had sold a bunch listed as "post-WWII US GI M1 Garand OD Green Canvas Rilfe Sling w/Hump Buckle - Original" and this was the last one.  Showed up today, sealed in an old plastic bag.
Tore it open, pulled it out and here's what I found (46-47" long):







(If you can't make it out, that says, "JT&L 1943." It shows up a lot better here than in real life.)  Not "post-WWII" and not a "hump buckle"...but I don't mind at all.
I am far from an WWII web gear expert, but it certainly looks original to me.  (Opinions are welcome.)

I don't think these came in plastic backs back in '43, so I assume that it was repackaged for storage sometime long after the war, but I'm absolutely certain it's never been on a rifle.
Problem is, now I kinda want a mint-condition M1 to hang it under.

Anyway, I declare this topic to be forum-appropriate because I bought it for a retro AR (even if it now finds a different home).  Just thought I'd share because it's just damn fun to find old things in new condition!

Gorgeous WWII era M1 sling NIW.......man I've never had a NIW original before. Look how pristine the buckles are and the brass end. Nice pickup, very nice.


I'm jealous by the way.....

That is NOT an original sling, it's a repro, sorry. Check ebay, they are on their all the time.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/M1-GARAND-CANVAS-RIFLE-SLING-with-Correct-WW2-Hardware-/351171059668?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51c36d1fd4

Figures.....It was too good to be true. I'm no expert on slings and was like wow what a find. Lol

where can we get originals?

Definitely not USGI

Look at the tab on this 50's era one.



See the difference?

They are around and they are usually pretty cheap.

For a post war USGI I wouldn't pay over $20 shipped. (and that breaks my heart to pay THAT much but things do go up in price.) You can find them for $15 shipped if you are patient. (Caveat. I haven't shopped for them in awhile!)

WWII slings will cost more but most people can't tell the difference because there aint much difference! Just enough to make the retro "retro heads" pay stoopit prices for flat/scalloped lip ones. (I think those are the early ones.)

This the marking on the sling on my 1943 SA M1 Garand. It is S.M. CO 1943.

Sexy weapon! VERY nice!

Sorry Gunner,carbinekid is correct,,,,it's a repop,and not a very good one. The metal end tab is wrong,, the webbing looks to have rolled edges like British Enfield slings,all wrong for a US sling.I've also never seen a WW2 sling with the maker stamp mark that large.The weave pattern is not like any US sling I've ever seen.

Jealous

 

Well, damn!  Glad I didn't pay a premium for it.  I'll send it back anyway, though--I don't pay for repro stuff!  (Well, except a few small items from Heat-n-beat years ago, and just as placeholders until I found real parts!)

Thanks for the input, gents!