Model 1903 Sling

[betelgeuse]

I just bought a RIA model 1903 (1918) and would like to get the correct era sling for it. Is there any markings on the original slings? If not, what would one look for? What would be a fair price to pay for one in good condition?
Thanks in advance,
Greg

[emmagee1917]

An original sling woud be a M1907 leather sling with brass hardware and sewn keepers . They were marked with the maker's name and the year made.
Chris

[Johnny P]

The WWI era slings will also have an inspector's initials.

[betelgeuse]

ok. Thanks guys. There are a some on Ebay. They don't have a date or initials. I suppose it's possible they faded over time.
Do you happen to know what would be a fair price to pay for one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300856053881?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140913148747?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300847355792?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Thanks,
Greg

[Johnny P]

The sling in the last link is either not military, or a post WWII contract.

[Dan Shapiro]

I would think that a WWI era sling in good condition would run around $175, more if you get into a bidding war. Someone will wait until the last minute to snipe a good one.

[betelgeuse]

......Someone will wait until the last minute to snipe a good one.
Someone already did that on a bayonet I was bidding on. lol.
$175 isn't too bad. There is one on there for $260 BIN with no bidding.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/310464634821?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
Think it's worth it?
Thanks;
Greg

[Derrick R.]

Greg check out your local pawn shops. Sometimes they remove slings and put them in a bin or something and sell them for cheap. I picked up several for less than $25 and are nice.
Derrick

[Dan Shapiro]

Greg: I doubt that ebay sling is a WWI. Below is a link that has a listing of WWI manufactures. Can't see how that sling is worth $260. But then, PT Barnum said 'a sucker was born every minute'.

http://www.rollanet.org/~stacyw/us_m1907_sling.htm

[betelgeuse]

Greg: I doubt that ebay sling is a WWI. Below is a link that has a listing of WWI manufactures. Can't see how that sling is worth $260. But then, PT Barnum said 'a sucker was born every minute'.

http://www.rollanet.org/~stacyw/us_m1907_sling.htm

Thanks for the link Dan. I wasn't planing on spending that much on one anyway.
I would live to find a RIA one dated the same as my rifle. I have an aftermarket on on it now.
I guess that will have to do until I find the correct one.
Greg

[betelgeuse]

What about these 4?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230923775804?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
One seems to be the real thing and is dated the same as my rifle (1918).
What would you guys value these at? I wouldn't mind paying a little more than they're worth but I don't want to be stupid about it either.
Greg

[Dan Shapiro]

The one good thing is that if you win, you can pick what you want and re-list the rest to recoup some money. Personally, I'd only pay what I'd want for one.

Patience. Once purchased a Paris-Dunn training rifle for #1 Grandson. Couple years later, had to purchase another for #2 Grandson. It had no rear sight. Took 4 months, but finally found one for sale on Ebay.

[betelgeuse]

I put a bid in and someone outbid me already. For all I know, I might be someone on this forum. lol
Greg

[Dan Shapiro]

Yeah, you're running up against a "Max Bid". You won't know what their Max was until you get past it. As long as you're bid is under their Max, the bidding program will automatically come back with a bid $1.00 more than your bid.

[betelgeuse]

Yes. I'm familiar with that. I just wanted to throw a bid in there so I get notified by email when the auction is about to end.
I'm going to throw my high bid in with a few seconds left and see what happens.
Thanks for all your help,
Greg

[Fred]

Betelgeuse, Im bidding on the 2nd sling that you have links for. I hope you guys don't run it up and make me spend a lot of money. Crap. I'll just go all out and win it I guess, whatever I have to pay for it. I just want one nice one for my rifle.

[betelgeuse]

Betelgeuse, Im bidding on the 2nd sling that you have links for. I hope you guys don't run it up and make me spend a lot of money. Crap. I'll just go all out and win it I guess, whatever I have to pay for it. I just want one nice one for my rifle.
I like that one too, but I'll let you have it :)
I'll try for the 4 that ends a couple hours after this one. One of the 4 has the right date for my rifle. I'll just take that one and sell the rest.
Good luck,
Greg

[Fred]

My wife had be out doing things that she just couldn't do alone today and I missed out on the sling! Dammit all to hell. Women and guns just don't go together. I'm not going to budge any more from in front of the Computer from now on until MY business is done. Hey, Thanks anyway betelguese! You were kind and considerate. Appreciate that!

[amber]

One thing to keep in mind with these early leather slings is that they dry out and break sometimes quite easily. It's not a good idea to pick up a rifle by it's sling. I have seen them break right in half, usually at a set of adjustment holes. If it breaks and the rifle falls, you will probably be very unhappy. The slings should be treated with a good leather care product, such as PECARD.

[Fred]

YES, Pecard Antique Leather Conditioner is the only thing that I will use. NEVER use Neats foot oil.