Hello Jerry,
I have the strap which is carefully rolled inside the case and I do not leave it fastened to the loops. In addition, I also have the original carbine cleaning rod and loading tool which came with the case. It was only missing the three spare magazines - damn! The case does not have any special type of lining.
Notice that the buckle is covered with leather which is very finely stitched. Also the buckle on the strap is covered in leather. My early carbine sling (stamped 'Abercombie & Fitch, made in Austria' with no logo) is also covered with leather on the buckle. I have also seen an early Mauser C96 leather carry case (full length) and a strap with leather covered buckles. It is my opinion that leather covered buckles were used in early production for commercial holsters and cases up to about 1912-14. My A&F carrying case (probably made in the US) has brass buckles and it was probably made between 1915-1920.
The pigskin scabbard is the same model which is also shown in the book LAR in the same chapter where it shows the identical A&F case which is in my collection. The quality of stitching on the pigskin scabbard is outstanding - there are no 'jaggies' or shaking during the sewing process, not even along the tube section for the cleaning rod - it shows early German workmanship at its highest level.
Someday when we meet at a gun show, I shall glady show you both scabbards. I am sure that you will appreciate the quality of both cases.
Cheers,
Albert
|