Trapdoor Sling

Pictures and information courtesy of Stephan Juan of www.antiquefirearms.com

US SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR or KRAG RIFLE SLING: This is the model 1887 2nd variation with the two narrow claws. This one is in very good condition. It is complete and original with the two leather bands and the brass knob. Shows some expected wear to the leather. No particular markings.

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Another Variant

Picture courtesy of Frank Pagano

This is another variation of the US M1887 sling.  Notice the different style of brass hook.

Picture and information courtesy of Glenn deRuiter

Another view of the US M1887 sling.  This is a one piece sling - not the stitched 2 piece type- with brass double claw hook on one end and a brass stud button on the other. There is one leather keeper loop which is marked "52".  For Trapdoor or Krag rifles.

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Trapdoor Cadet Rifle Sling

Pictures and information courtesy of Stephen Juan of www.antiquefirearms.com

US made for a Springfield trapdoor cadet rifle or some other US WW1 cadet rifle. One single brass claw. Marked JOHN BOYLE & CO. 1915.

UPDATE

by Tom Clark (the new owner of the sling)

The sling that I bought, I believe, is just an economical substitute for the standard GI issue sling of that era. At the time, I think that the service rifle was the "US Rifle, Model of 1903," as it was modified in 1905, and again in 1906. This became the standard US Service Rifle, until the adoption of the M-1 Rifle in 1936, or there a bouts.   The reason that the Training Rifle sling existed was that the US was very unprepared for war, prior to 1917. The government needed rifles for bayonet training, and the regular rifle was needed by front-line combat units. There were several substitutes available, one being the Service Rifle Model(s) of
1873-1888, or more commonly known as the Trapdoor Springfield. This rifle was shortened to the same length as the '03, and fitted with a special training
bayonet, made of very flexible spring steel, and covered with leather and having a big ball on the front end. This alterations to this rifle made it a "Fencing Musket," and would not fire. It was better than a long rifle shaped piece of wood, or a broom stick, which were actually used. You can see these sticks on some old documentaries on TV. And since these rifles wouldn't fire, they didn't need the expensive sling, and had this cheap strap on the gun instead.   I used to have one of these Bayonet Training Rifles, and the special Fencing Bayonet, but I have never seen this sling before. I need to look at photos in my arms library and also see if the sling is mentioned anywhere.

Comments, corrections, questions, or if you have a rifle sling you would like to share with the world:

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