BACKGROUND: The development of a German sub-machine gun can be traced back to World War I when the requirements for a light weight quick firing close combat weapon which could be utilized by a single man was needed in the close quarter, static warfare of the trenches. The primary weapons of the time, the slow firing repeater rifle and the relatively immobile machine gun were found insufficient and the Spandau Rifle Testing Commission began research on developing a sub-machine gun in late 1915. In 1917 Hugo Schmeisser, then in the employ of the Theodor Bergmann Weapons factory in Suhl, developed the first German fully automatic sub-machine gun, designated the MP18/I, which was to be the forerunner of all the MP’s to follow. In August 1938 the German army adopted the newly developed MP38. Further developments and improvements and the need for a cheaper mass produced weapon resulted in the introduction of the MP40 in April 1940. When issued the MP38/40 came equipped with a leather carrying sling. Of Note: The K98 and MP38/40 slings are almost identical and are interchangeable. The main difference is the K98 has three stud holes and the MP38/40 sling only has two stud holes. Also the K98 has the separate leather covered steel tab, which the MP38/40 sling normally doesn’t have.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Age and usage darkened brown leather sling. One end of the sling is pointed with dual stud holes and a corresponding dual headed stud for fastening it to the weapon. The opposite end of the sling has a steel grasping buckle with an internal gripping bar, stitch in place. The sliding leather retaining loop is complete. No visible markings. Shows the expected period use and wear but overall intact and in usable condition.