real M16 chinstrap?

[Glenn Barbaritz]

hey Guys, Glenn here. I am a regular WWII Heer infantry Dude but I always loved WWI Prussian infantry too. I have a few very nice quality WWI pieces which includes a nice camo M16. about 15 years ago I purchased a M16 chinstrap from a very recognized WWI dealer. Im sure you all know Him. He has very nice stuff still. but as they say, go by the piece - not the dealer. I cannot find much info on these so I was hoping to hear opinions/facts from you Guys as I know you are all on top of this stuff. all comments and any info/leads are welcome. thanks, Glenn

[Glenn Barbaritz]

reverse

[Glenn Barbaritz]

hook up

[Glenn Barbaritz]

hook up again

[Glenn Barbaritz]

belly of buckle

[Glenn Barbaritz]

close up

[Glenn Barbaritz]

stitching

[Glenn Barbaritz]

last one

[Glenn Barbaritz]

please be candid Guys. actually I dont think I ever even saw an M16 with a full strap so I got nothing to lose. but you can always hope.

[Chip M]

OK, Glenn. To me, the leather looks too raw on the back side. More like what you see on modern leather. Imperial era chinstraps are often very thin and surprizingly fragile looking. I have several period chinstraps and all of them are farely smooth on the backside, be it from wear or the way they were skived down to the proper thickness. Regardless, yours looks quite nice and if it is not a period piece, then it closely resembles one.

Chip

[Glenn Barbaritz]

thanks Chip. your comments about the reverse side of the leather was always my main concern about the piece also. I take it these were probably already being repro'd in the late 80's? Glenn

[Glenn Barbaritz]

Chip, would it be possible to see a couple pics of one of yours. I would appreciate it. Glenn

[Chip M]

Glenn,

I have been collecting since the early 60's and I can remember repro chinstraps being offered at least back to about 1970. I would not be surprised it they were made much earlier.

I will see what I can do about getting you some pictures of a real M15 chinstrap.

Chip