US Army Mills Tropical Canteen/Haversack Sling c. 1900--Original

Description

Mills Tropical Canteen/Haversack Sling c. 1900
Original circa 1900 Mills "tropical" shoulder sling for use with canteens and haversacks, heavy khaki cotton web construction with natural finish brass hardware throughout and heavy brass wire hooks for attaching to canteen or haversack rings. Metal chapes with C-shaped keepers are well marked MILLS & ORNDORFF on front and several patent dates on back ranging from 1880 to 1894. Overall length of sling is 60 inches and is 1 1/4 inches wide. Faded from use with moderate soiling in spots and a number of rust stains from years of hanging on a nail, but no fraying or other damage.
According to several sources, the sling was tested as a result of experience with the standard leather canteen/haversack sling quickly deteriorating in tropical climates [read: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines] and was also considered as a replacement for the Krag rifle sling [minus the wire hooks], however the strap was hard to adjust when wet and tended to chafe the wearer's shoulder as well. Interestingly enough, shortly before WW1 the British would adopt the sling, without the hooks and brass keeper loops and with slightly longer chape plates, as their standard rifle sling.
Overall a very hard to find piece of Mills gear for display with your Spanish-American War/Philippine Insurrection collection and is in good condition. Any questions please feel free to ask.