Blockhead Posted February 3, 2009 Here are some pics of a "original' Thompson sling I purchased online. My guess is that its a repro judging by what looks like black paint on the hardware. I also don't know if I have seen "US" stamped like that on any of these slings. I would appreciate some thoughts from someone more familiar with these than I am--that shouldn't be too hard Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
glenm Posted February 3, 2009 Yep, that's a repro. An ugly one as well. There are much better repros out there, complete with the patent numbers stamped into the metalwork. Never seen a Thomspon sling with anything stamped on the webbing (other than the occassional mildrew treatment MRT stamp). Cheers, Glen. 2nd Armored in Europe : http://www.2ndarmoredineurope.co.uk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Johan Willaert Posted February 3, 2009 'TSMG' slings with patent stampings in the metal tips are actually M1917 Kerr Rifle Slings to be used with the M1917 Rifle. Although similar in design, the real WW2 manufactured TSMG slings did not have markings on the metal tips. '29th,Let's Go!' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeeper704 Posted February 3, 2009 Thanks for the info, Johan. Glad to hear my sling is an original. Erwin 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rotxxyyzz Posted February 3, 2009 hope you didn't pay too much ... my addition to the comments the other guys already made is: rivets are wrong, weave of canvas is wrong, the spring tips on mines are blued, NEVER EVER seen one with a US stamp http://www.4444-Chang-Jiang-Design.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J_Andrews Posted February 3, 2009 The "No-Buckl" slings with patents were indeed created for the M1917 U.S. Enfield, but they were also widely used in the U.S. military on M1903 Springfield DRILL rifles, sometimes on marksmanship shooting '03s, and on pre-WWII Thompsons. So they are not necessarily "wrong". That said, the REAL, G.I. slings for Thompsons, acquired through military contracts, post-Pearl Harbor, are UNMARKED. They were made even after web gear went green/OG. In VN, the green ones were common on PF and PSDF Garands and BARs (BARs often had two, strung together). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrei Posted February 3, 2009 That said, the REAL, G.I. slings for Thompsons, acquired through military contracts, post-Pearl Harbor, are UNMARKED. Thats correct. A couple of years ago, you could find those slings mint in box here in Europe. In brown cardboard box tagged with an USN station stamp and with a 1950 date of storage. "One law for them, another one for us !" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
