Old examples of the type of sling you are talking about are scarce as the small thong broke frequently, and the sling was recut until useless and then discarded. An A. Henry double rifle sold at the last Julia sale had what appeared to be an original example from 1885. As I recall it was of white rawhide with a standard leather covered snap loop at one end. The thin thong tip [missing] was cut into the other end at a long dished taper. I think this sling treatment was more prevelant than we think during the late 19th century, and was probably the reason for the fluted "Alex Henry" type forend; which gave a larger area for the sling to be tied. I have a Daniel Fraser SS stalking rifle with a recessed eye provision for a sling on the butt with none on the barrel. It is fitted with an old, possibly original, sling;with standard hook at rear. The forepart is cut to make a loop which slips around the barrel. This end has been re-fashoned at least once so may not be the original method of attachment. It has, however, been this way for a long time. This method of attaching a sling to the barrel is completly silent when in use, and I suspect is the reason for its use; especially when stalking with sling in place.
All the best, Mal
