Original Civil War Carbine Sling

Original Civil War Carbine Sling – These issue carbine slings, worn over the left shoulder of a cavalry soldier, were deemed an essential accoutrement as they provided significant freedom of movement to the mounted trooper. The snap hook on the sling was affixed to the saddle ring on the soldier’s carbine, with the muzzle inserted into a carbine socket, attached to the soldier’s saddle. This example remains in overall very good condition – constructed of finished bridle leather, there is some age cracking, but no flaking to the finish; the leather remains quite flexible. Both the original, brass “batwing” and rectangular adjustment buckle are in fine condition, as is the iron snap hook device, which has not maker’s mark. Of great significance, this sling remains at its original length – approximately 55.5” – 56” – not having been shortened by surplus dealers well after the war, when shortened slings were re-outfitted with surplus batwings and adjustment buckles. The buckle and batwing both exhibit correct, original, war period modes of attachment. This is an excellent example of a Civil War period, unmodified carbine sling.