Sling history

[okc_bob]

Have a civil war sling that has been arsenal lengthened. I read that early trapdoors used lengthened civil war slings as they were too short for the trapdoors. Any ideas as to which rifle this sling belongs to?
tnx

[Dave Fox]

As the leather is tapered where it's sewn to the brass hook, this appears to be what's generically known as the M.1861 strap, designed for the M.1855/61/63 family of rifle muskets. Tens-of-thousands of these were in store at the end of the Civil War and, until replaced by a dedicated sling, were pieced together for the two-band .50-70 and.45-70 family of rifles, as you say. As with unaltered straps, these in good, pliable condition are scarce today.

[okc_bob]

Mine is in good condition except for one end-which is falling apart. Unsure how to repair or restore it. It came on my Norwich, but I keep it on my trapdoor, as more appropriate there.

[Dave Fox]

If it is indeed falling apart, the monetary value is nominal but it can still display well with your rifle. What I've done in the past is back the weak or broken part with thin leather affixed with a pliable leather glue.