HELP identify Unusual Markings on Web Sling ? ? ?

[ersatz]

I picked up what I believe is a British P-08 web sling. It has some interesting & unusual markings stamped on each brass end. The sling is all black webbing, not blancoed. It measures 45" in length. The stampings look to be a O with a character, and 17. Not sure if the "O" is a number, or letter, definitely some foreign character as well. But could the #17 indicate the year of 1917? Please see the photo. Webbing to sling is strong & in very nice condition, brass ends are very much tarnished. Would appreciate any and all input. Thanks!

[deadin]

Post your question and photo over here": http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/fo...?showforum=153
If it's Brit, they will know....

[ersatz]

Thanks for the direction! Have tried to register, however, unable to because my email address has been refused.

[jondar]

Could that character after the "0" be construed as a "7"? I know on the British bayonets the month and year of manufacture are stamped. At least on my MK III bayonet it is. That would make the DOM of your sling July, 1917? I have a webbing sling also on my SMLE No.1 MK III* which is totally unmarked.

[tarheel101]

The second character appears to be Arabic. Maybe the Arabic number 6.

Tarheel

[ersatz]

Originally Posted by jondar

Could that character after the "0" be construed as a "7"? I know on the British bayonets the month and year of manufacture are stamped. At least on my MK III bayonet it is. That would make the DOM of your sling July, 1917? I have a webbing sling also on my SMLE No.1 MK III* which is totally unmarked.

I don't think that is a "7" after the "0". It doesn't resemble the 17 marking in any way. I am very familiar with standard British markings and I can certainly say that this is not the manner in which they mark their items. I have some WW-1 web P-08 slings that have the maker's name and date (only) of manufacture nicely stamped on the brass ends. To my knowledge WW2 web slings usually have stencilled dates & maker's.

[deadin]

Thanks for the direction! Have tried to register, however, unable to because my email address has been refused.

I posted this over on the Brit board for you. I will let you know if they come up with anything.

Dean

[ersatz]

Dean, many thanks for your help! Hope to reciprocate sometime. TED.......

[deadin]

Here are a some replies:

Normal practice for a Sling, rifle, web, G.S., Mk. I (second issue) (as this type of sling is properly identified) from its introduction in 1904 until the 1930's was for the brass ends to be stamped with the maker and the date in full: "M.E. Co. / 1917", for example. I would guess that this marking is probably an identifier of some sort, perhaps a unit or rack number.

You can read something about this type of sling here:


http://www.karkeeweb.com/patterns/19...ed_slings.html

I've seen several black Great War dated slings offered on eBay over the last few years. I think they may have been for sale in Australia. Normal UK makers though. Regards, Paul.

Could the numbers before the hyphen be arabic? This looks like the arabic numbers for 5 and 6. Doc

It could be someones effort to fake a date stamp.

Re post 3. I bought one of those black slings - very well dyed. Marked on the brass 'Wrights 1917' I would guess there was some uncertaintly about the item because they weren't going for as much as I would have expected, I paid 25 quid I think.

Mick