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MODEL 1885 CARBINE SLING – ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL –
EXCELLENT SPECIMEN: This is a particularly nice
example, having survived in excellent condition, retains
the arsenal stamp. As described in Ordnance Memoranda
no. 29, these Model 1885 Carbine Slings succumbed to a
variety of forces that resulted in decent specimens
being fairly scarce on today’s market. Manufactured in
far fewer numbers than the preceding Model 1855 Carbine
Slings, a higher percentage of the Model 1885 Slings
that were produced were issued, and eventually used to
destruction.
The sling leather, narrower than that used on the Civil
War carbine slings, was more susceptible to use, wear
and exposure on the frontier, evidenced by so many of
the Model 1885 slings that do survive presenting in poor
condition. And too, the Model 1885 Slings not only saw
use with the frontier army in the final years of the
Indian Wars, but were continued in service in the
tropics of Cuba and the Philippine Islands where the
climate accelerated the rate of consumption. Finally,
once they passed into the surplus market and into the
hands of companies such as Bannerman’s, many of the
surviving specimens fell victim to the demand for metal
during both World Wars, and the brass buckles and tips
were removed and the leather discarded.
This Model 1885 Carbine Sling fortunately escaped all of
the forces aligned against it and has survived in
excellent condition – literally one of the better
specimens of this sling that I have seen on the market
in some time.
Full length with the original brass buckle and tip
intact, the leather surface has an overall excellent
bright, shiny finish with only some minor flexing in
isolated points, but no crazing or flaking. Immediately
adjacent to the sling tip is the fully legible “ROCK
ISLAND ARSENAL” stamp. The original brass tip and
buckle have a nice, even color and are full form. The
snap swivel is fully functional, has a smooth, bright
surface, and bears no markings as is correct.
This is a particularly nice example to display with your
cavalry accoutrement and carbine grouping, and one that
would never need to be, nor likely could be, upgraded.
(0468)
$1475
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