Description

Original Kerr NoBuckl Sling – Short Variant

Up for sale is an authentic Kerr NoBuckl sling, short variant, an essential piece of early U.S. military equipment from the World War I era. The Kerr sling was a groundbreaking improvement over traditional slings, featuring a patented “NoBuckl” system that replaced brass hooks with a clamping mechanism. This design allowed soldiers to adjust their sling quickly in the field, while also reducing the chance of breakage or failure under combat conditions.

This example is the short variant, designed specifically for carbines and other compact arms where a full-length sling was impractical. It is constructed of durable khaki webbing reinforced with brass hardware, and it retains its original stitching and patina from service. The shorter design made it a favorite among cavalrymen, trench fighters, and soldiers operating in close quarters where space was limited and equipment needed to be streamlined.

Kerr NoBuckl slings were widely issued with the M1903 Springfield rifle and M1917 Enfield rifle, and later adapted for use with early M1 carbines. The shorter pattern, such as this one, is much scarcer than the full-length version and is therefore highly sought after by collectors. Surviving original examples remain an impressive reminder of the ingenuity and practicality that shaped U.S. military gear in the early 20th century.

This sling stands out as both a functional piece of field gear and a true artifact of military history. Whether displayed alongside a period rifle or collected on its own, it represents a key advancement in equipment carried by American soldiers during the Great War.

Keywords: Kerr NoBuckl sling, WWI U.S. sling, short variant, Springfield M1903 accessories, U.S. military web gear, original WWI militaria.