1950 Long Branch 95L LE correct sling

[albertacowboy]

Has anyone ever seen the ZL&T LE web slings dated after 1945, or did the wartime orders stop and WWII slings continue as the standard sling for the Canadian Army? I am looking for a mint web sling for my 95L and wondered if post-WWII ZL&T slings were available.

Many thanks,
Albertacowboy

 

[purple]

There was such a glut of wartime webbing and slings on hand that I doubt that there ever was a new contract for rifle slings until the FN came into service with a new type of sling. The 1951 pattern web gear that we used was OD in color, rather than Khaki like the Pattern 37 webbing that was used during WW2 and most of the Korean War. I think that a wartime dated khaki ZL&T sling would be entirely appropriate for a 1950 dated No4.

 

[Steve1987]

I once had a stone mint/unissued 1950 Longbranch and it came with one of the unmarked OD slings with brass fittings. I have no reason to believe it wasn't the original sling and felt it was most correct for the rifle - that being said, I'm sure some surplus WWII slings may have been used during this time as well.

Regards,
-Steve

 

[sunray]

In 1950 everything the CF used was W.W. II vintage. If you want 'mint' try Joe Salter. Expect to pay big though.

 

[Steve1987]

In 1950 everything the CF used was W.W. II vintage. If you want 'mint' try Joe Salter. Expect to pay big though.

By that logic, 1950 Longbranches must not exist then. Thanks for another informative post sunray.... *sarcasm*

-Steve

 

[Baal]

There are 1943 and 44 dated ZL&T unissued slings available on Ebay right now. As correct as you're gonna get.

 

[Lee Enfield]

I once had a stone mint/unissued 1950 Longbranch and it came with one of the unmarked OD slings with brass fittings. I have no reason to believe it wasn't the original sling and felt it was most correct for the rifle - that being said, I'm sure some surplus WWII slings may have been used during this time as well.

Regards,
-Steve

Most likely your sling had the marking washed out, the ink used wasn't very perminant.

 

[6167]

Some while ago I had a '56 dated ZL+T sling that looked identical to my WW2 issued ones except for a smaller year number under the C^.
I was told at the time that it was an early FN sling and it went to a fellow with an early dated C1.
I would have no idea if it was the Guelph plant selling NOS slings just marked up with the new acceptance date, or if they were given a contract/request to supply/develop the C1 program?

 

[Lee Enfield]

Some while ago I had a '56 dated ZL+T sling that looked identical to my WW2 issued ones except for a smaller year number under the C^.
I was told at the time that it was an early FN sling and it went to a fellow with an early dated C1.
I would have no idea if it was the Guelph plant selling NOS slings just marked up with the new acceptance date, or if they were given a contract/request to supply/develop the C1 program?

Are you sure it was Zephyr Loom and Textiles LTD (ZL&T) marked??

According to Clive Law, ZL&T Ltd. Ceased to exist on December 31, 1945.

My understanding is that ZL&T became Textile Industries Limited (TIL) probably on January 1, 1946, in a similar manner to Small Arms Ltd became Canadian Arsenals Ltd.

Certainly my Pattern '51 webbing is marked TIL.

 

[6167]

Yes...it was marked ZL&T with a 56 under the C^...I am also aware they became Zephyr Mills later as well....I believe in to the late 70's /'80's under that commercial name.
Lends itself to the New Old Stock possibility...who knows...

Quote from a Guelph Historical Society letter...
We can say with absolute certainty that they were based completely in Guelph as I have several company newsletters, and have interviewed several past employees. One gentleman, who started working at ZL&T when he was very young, was actually the President of Textile Industries (the successor to ZL&T) right up until the time that it sold out in the 70s.
The only interests outside of Guelph that I can think of is a spinning plant that he mentioned in Ormstown, Quebec, which was built by Brooks Stevens Jr, the president of ZL&T during the war. He claimed that at the time it was built, it was the most modern spinning plant in North America. It was built sometime after the war, in the 50s, after ZL&T had become Textile Industries, and was operated under the name Zephyr Textiles.