student of history
CGN Regular
Based on the single picture you posted, I'd say that your sling has potential (the metal buckle looks decent). If it's a true WWII German sling there are a couple things to look for. First, does it have a diamond pattern stamped into it? Second, what's it's length? An original German one should be approximately 46-47 inches or about 120cm (post war Israeli and Czech ones are longer). Third, can you see any visible markings? Maybe take a very close look at the keeper with a jeweler's loupe - I recently found a sling that I thought didn't have any markings but when I looked more closely it was marked "1937" with a waffenampt on the keeper so really go over it well! Finally, you mentioned an odor? It shouldn't really smell like leather but it should have that military musk (it's kind of a hard smell to describe - but you'll know it if you encounter it). Hope this helps you out.
