MP38/40 Brown Leather Sling

MP38/40 Brown Leather Sling – carrying strap for the Maschinenpistole 38 and 40

The brown leather sling for the MP38/40 was a carrying accessory used with the German Maschinenpistole 38 and Maschinenpistole 40. These compact automatic weapons were issued to infantry, vehicle crews, armoured troops, paratroopers, non-commissioned officers, officers and support personnel, all of whom needed a strong strap to carry the weapon securely during movement and service.

Made from brown leather, the sling provided tensile strength, flexibility and durability. Adjustment holes, buckles or reinforced end tabs allowed the length to be adapted to the wearer, clothing layers and equipment arrangement. Leather was suited to this role because it could support the weight of the weapon and withstand repeated stress from marching, running, handling and transport.

The Maschinenpistole 38 and later Maschinenpistole 40 were automatic weapons chambered in 9×19 mm Parabellum, designed for close-range fighting and mobile situations. The MP38 was more complex in manufacture, while the MP40 simplified production through greater use of stamped metal parts. Both used straight 32-round magazines and required a practical sling to keep the weapon ready without interfering with movement.

From a technical standpoint, the sling attached to the weapon’s sling points and allowed different carrying methods: over the shoulder, across the front of the body or to the side, depending on the situation and the equipment worn. A properly adjusted sling kept the submachine gun close to the body, reducing swing and impact against the belt, magazine pouches or other field gear.

The brown leather finish is consistent with many early or unblackened leather equipment items. With use, the leather could darken, polish at contact points and develop creases around holes, buckles and end tabs. Historical variants could differ in length, leather thickness, buckle type, end shape, stitching and maker markings.

Collector’s note: the MP38/40 sling was a simple but essential accessory. Without a sling, carrying the submachine gun over long distances was awkward; with a correctly adjusted strap, the weapon stayed available while leaving the soldier’s hands free for movement, equipment handling or climbing into vehicles.