4 replies to this topic

[Willywombat]

Herewith some photos of a 1916 dated service holster that came into my posession by chance. I was hoping someone might be able to tell me something about it.

As can be seen, it's in dark brown leather and marked "A. Davis & Co 1916" on the rear. A Mk VI fits it perfectly. The rear belt loop seems to have been cut about a bit, as does the holster flap which seems to have been reshaped. The "curve" of the flap close to the press-stud has been cut off and the front face of the "bucket" has also been cut so as to make it slightly deeper. The modifications are definitely almost as old as the holster as the edges are worn smooth and the colouring is exactly the same on the cut parts as the rest of the holster.

My questions are as follows:

1. Is it a standard issue holster?

2. I can understand cutting the flap and deepening the curve of the bucket opening as it makes it easier to grasp the revolver (is this something commonly seen?) but what is the purpose of cutting the rear belt-loop?

3. How is the holster supposed to have been worn? I presume the belt simply goes around the waist and the holster hangs on the hip "gunslinger" style? The belt loop is so stiff and tight I don't think a belt has ever been put through it with the weight of a revolver hanging off.

Anyway - hopefully it will be of some interest and perhaps someone can enlighten me on one or two of the questions?

Many thanks,

Bob.

Attached Files

•  DSCF5179.jpg   23.31K   2 downloads
•  DSCF5180.jpg   19.83K   3 downloads

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Bob,

I do not know if the strap on this holster has been cut or it is the original length ? as revolver holsters of this type are usually worn with the strap going over the shoulder, and are associated with Cavalry or Naval units.
I have seen other holsters where the owner had cut the leather to give a custom fit, either to give quicker access to the revolver, or to have it hang in a certain way.
I have a similar a holster in my Collection, which additionally has bullet loops attached to the leather shoulder strap.

Regards,
LF

[Willywombat]

The strap looks as though it has been cut although there is no indication of any bullet loops etc. ever having been attached to it. The hole next to the end of the strap has been stretched quite widely open.
The stap is too short to be worn over the shoulder but sits on the waist quite comfortably. I assume that the stretched hole and the cut end mean that this was the length of strap most used.

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Willywombat, on 20 June 2012 - 07:49 PM, said:

The strap looks as though it has been cut although there is no indication of any bullet loops etc.

The bullet loops are very unusual, and not at all typical.
The problem is, none of us know what was in the mind of these men almost 100 years ago. When in combat, be it in the trenches or anywhere else, I am sure they often altered their equipment to suit their particular preferences or circumstances, and eventhough the strap was normally worn over the shoulder, who can say that another man did not shorten it and preferred it slung around his waist ?
Your holster looks 100% genuine
Regards,
LF

[Sommewalker]

I would think it unlikely that these modifications were made while it was in service with the Army.  You would never pass muster in the morning!  However much pistol equipment was passed to the Black and Tans, the auxilary police units serving with the RUC during the 'troubles'.  These were mostly ex- servicemen and were inclined to modify their kit as they chose as they no longer came under the strict discipline exhibited in regular forces.  The opposition used the same firearms and were even less troubled by regulations!  The answer to your modified holster may lie here. - SW