eparges Posted 17 November , 2011 Posted 17 November , 2011 Hi, I recently obtained this StMLE MIII, barnfind from the Aisne, with a web sling attached. I would like to know who the maker of the sling is, and if contemporary to the StMLE; Unfortunately the marking is watered, I've tried 'tweeking' the pics, more/less contrast etc, moistering it etc etc, but it remains 'vague'.There are no markings on the brass 'tabs'... Anyone recognizes it? thanx!
wainfleet Posted 18 November , 2011 Posted 18 November , 2011 WW1 slings are usually dated on the brass ends. In 30+ years I've never seen one dated on the webbing that wasn't an obvious fake, nor have I seen that style of marking in a cartouche on any piece of WW1 webbing. So I think the marking is either later, perhaps post WW2, or an addition, and I very much doubt that the sling is original to the rifle. But the rifle itself is fantastic!
John Thorne Posted 19 November , 2011 Posted 19 November , 2011 I'll agree with Wainfleet - this looks to be a WWII sling. In addition to the post-WWI marks, the shell rivets are a later variation. WWI and earlier Slings, rifle, web, G.S., Mark I. [second issue] that I have seen have all used hose rivets.
eparges Posted 19 November , 2011 Author Posted 19 November , 2011 Thanx all for your input! Yeah Wainfleet, the StMLE is great, untouched and complete, unfortunately the buttdisk is unmarked...I'm a bit in doubt whether to give it a slight cleanup, remove some of the rust or just leave it as it is...some more snaps:
Anzac16 Posted 19 November , 2011 Posted 19 November , 2011 No R ibwould fleave it like it is Its a part of history now and don't do anything to it About the sling looks very clean in comperison to the Lee maybe it was put on the Lee later on
wainfleet Posted 20 November , 2011 Posted 20 November , 2011 No R ibwould fleave it like it is Its a part of history now and don't do anything to it My thoughts exactly. Personally I would remove that sling and not replace it. If this rifle were mine and it had any live rust on it, I might seek advice on how to Very Carefully remove it, but I would prefer to leave it well alone. Over 30+ years of collecting, I increasingly appreciate battlefield pieces such as this one. Of course it would be even better if the butt disc were marked, but such finds are rare nowadays and you have to take them as they come! I really like the time capsule look and I think you have a wonderful piece of history there.
Waggoner Posted 20 November , 2011 Posted 20 November , 2011 Great that it is a Mk III - don't see many of them around! Can you work the action to see whether or not it is unloaded? All the best, Gary
eparges Posted 20 November , 2011 Author Posted 20 November , 2011 Hi, to move the bolt I have to either de-rust it or hit it with a hammer...I'l ltry to see by probing the barrel
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