Hi, first post here. I just picked up a 1917, flaming bomb and all. Included the original holster with the embossed U.S. in the deal

I have two questions I hope someone here can help me with.

What are the serial number ranges for the various years of production?

Why is the holster "left handed"? I've seen vintage pictures of right handed shooters with the same holster. What confuses me is that the stock is pointing forward if the holster is worn on the right side. Were these to be worn on the left side of the body?

I've been searching the forum, thinking someone must have asked these questions already but did not find any posts. T.I.A.

That right-side-butt-forward holster was a carryover from the old cavalry days when the sabre was considered the primary weapon, and the pistol the secondary weapon. The sabre was worn on the left side for right-handed users, making it accessible to the left (secondary) hand when controlling the reins. Does that make sense?

John summed it up. The revolver was generally used in the left hand, and the sword in the right. Even being butt-forward, you can still draw it with your right hand if you need to. I've practiced it with mine.
For WW2, they made a mirror image right handed holster. Much harder to find.
Chris

Thanks for the replies! I had no idea of the cavalry connection or what that meant to the holster design; wonderful knowledge.