Here is a complete, honest example of a Model 1839 Civil War, Federal-issue cavalry carbine sling in black bridle leather. Issued to and used by Union cavalry prior to and during the Civil War, the sling was worn over the trooper’s shoulder with the snaphook attached to the sling bar on the carbine and rendered the trooper’s hands free to maintain the reins while riding his horse. Outer edge of the leather sling has two lines of decorative tooling along its entire length. This fine cavalry sling appears to have been shortened to 54” long from its original total length of 56” long.  Most Union cavalrymen were not tall and shortening the sling was a common field expedient to fit the trooper.

Leather exterior surface is strong and supple with light to moderate crazing.  Well used but not abused, the sling measures 2 3/8” wide and is complete with its steel snap swivel, a brass, two-prong sling buckle, and its brass ‘batwing’ tip secured by four brass rivets. Could use some cleaning as verdigris has built up at the batwing and buckle area. Maker’s stamp or government inspector’s stamping not visible on the exterior leather surface but interior surface of sling has faded marks in black ink that read “K4   19” on the leather (?). Steel snap swivel is strong and is stamped with maker’s name “O. P. NORTH & Co. / NEW HAVEN-Ct.” Shows light peppery pitting. This black leather cavalry carbine sling is a nice example of an early piece of equestrian equipment issued to Federal cavalry.