Looking for information on M1907 Sling

[cwbuff]

One of my M1907 slings has the following marking:
M.D.C
H&P 1918

The keepers are not sewn, but fastened with flat metal staples.

Does anyone know anything about this maker? Nothing on the web of substance.

For what it is worth: One guy told me that this type of sling was procured by the UMSC.

[Dan Shapiro]

The inspector initials might be M.D.K.

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

Original 1907 slings in good condition usually run over $150 on average, sometimes more. Check out Ebay and search "1907 sling". Skip the repo's.

[cwbuff]

Here is a picture of it.

You make the call.

[Johnny in Texas]

The metal looks the way it should I think.

[Emri]

Keepers with flat metal staples are modern made. Original keepers were sewn.

[Johnny P]

Does it just have the staples, or is it sewn and have staples also? This is a military sling with the stapled and sewn keepers, but the markings are too light to read.

[cwbuff]

I will take some pics and post them.

[Tom Doniphon]

CWbuff, your Model 1907 sling was made by Hewes & Potter. MDC is one of the inspector's stamps found on H&P slings. I'd have to see a photo of the keeper to tell you if it is USGI.

The keeper with the staple depicted in Johnny P's photo is the type found on a variation of the Model 1907 sling which apparently was used by the Marine Corps. These "USMC slings" have sewn and stapled keepers and only two pair of adjustment holes on either end of the short strap. On some the straps seem to be slightly wider than a regular M1907 sling. All the USMC slings I have seen had brass hardware.

[cwbuff]

Pics of the sling keepers

Here are pics of the keepers. No stitching, only a large staple of an interesting design. I have never seen another like it. The leather on the keepers matches the condition of the sling - good condition and a little dry on the edges.

[Johnny P]

Tom,
The sling is just as you described it. Was it actually maker marked, or am I trying to read something that is not there?

[Tom Doniphon]

Johnny, the one I have does not appear to be marked. And I believe the few others I have seen were not marked either. They were all fairly well used and the leather had turned a dark brown. I wish a nice one would show up, then we may be able to determine for certain if they were originally marked or not.