This is a leather rifle sling made by Reuben Nece of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Nece had contracts though out the Civil War for all things leather, from saber belts, carbine cartridge boxes, bayonet scabbards, cap boxes, horse equipment and infantry accoutrements, including slings. The Ordnance Manual of 1861 states that the slings "was to be made of russet leather, measure 1.25" wide, 46" in length, have one standing and one sliding loop, a brass hook attached by two brass rivets made of #15 wire and sewn with white shoe thread." This sling is made of brown russet leather that has seen so much use it has turned black! The leather is still supple and flexible. While it meets the 46" length requirement, this one is only 1 1/16" wide. Only the fixed adjustment loop is still present, the sliding loop has been lost to time. The brass hook is securely attached to the sling by the original brass rivets. All stitching is rock solid. The makers mark of R. NECE is found in an arc over PHILAD near the brass hook end of the sling. These leather slings are becoming difficult to come by. This one will make a fine addition to your collection, and it will definitely fit any long arm out there!

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