For sale is an original 1909 Model Sling for the French Fusil de Infanterie Modèle 1886 Lebel Rifle. This ID is based on my research on the internet. The leather is supple and fully usable as a sling, structural integrity is very good/excellent. The surface varies from slight surface cracks to very good original finish. There are 2 places of surface damage. Both are surface splits that do not affect the integrity of the sling. Stitching is all intact. Both eyelets show no splitting. On the reverse side are some marking I can not discern but have photographed. Sling details: approximately 93cm (36″) long, 35 mm (1-5/16″) wide. The sling is black which was used prior to WWI, which was replaced by natural or brown leather in 1914 (believed to be a cost-saving measure). The sliding buckle is brass again consistent with pre-WWI as if the presence of some residual black paint (though to applied to reduce reflection and glare). The classic “dog ear” protector is present with a brass button. All the pictures above are of the actual sling. If you have questions please message me. I have tried to include as much detail as I can. The item “WWI French Leather Rifle Sling 1909 Fusil de Infanterie Modèle mle. 1886 Lebel” is in sale since Monday, May 3, 2021. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW I (1914-18)\Original Period Items\France”. The seller is “repurposeitall” and is located in Olympia, Washington. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Region of Origin: France
- Modified Item: No
- Country/Region of Manufacture: France
- Theme: Militaria
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Conflict: WW I (1914-18)
