Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Gun Leather & Carry Gear
o

Notices

Gun Leather & Carry Gear All Holster and Gun Leather Topics


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-28-2018, 08:28 AM
hardscrabble hardscrabble is offline
Member
Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 216
Likes: 73
Liked 259 Times in 73 Posts
Default Help Me ID Old Holster

turnerriver was good enough to remind me we have a gun leather sub-forum, so I’m going to repost this request here. There appears to be a consensus forming that this holster is a commercial (not military) holster from the 1920’s-30’s. Please feel free to comment.

.................................................

I'll post this request for help here because I acquired this holster with a Victory Model 38 S&W. I suspect that this holster is not in any way associated with Victory Model revolvers, but I'm not sure where else to start. If we have any gun leather experts here (or elsewhere for that matter), please let me know so that I can reach out.

It looks like it is for a 5", 5.5", perhaps a 6" revolver. It is almost identical in length with a Model of 1917 holster, perhaps not quite so roomy in the interior. It appears to be a swivel holster, although it doesn't swivel (maybe because it's old, and I don't want to force it). It is unmarked so far as I can see. Unlike US Cavalry holsters that I have seen (including a 1917 holster in my possession) it is not that cross-draw-left-handed configuration, and appears to be a straight up cross-draw-right hand.

Any help appreciated.



__________________
Cy
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 06-30-2018, 03:57 AM
LoboGunLeather's Avatar
LoboGunLeather LoboGunLeather is offline
US Veteran
Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 7,518
Likes: 19,273
Liked 32,340 Times in 5,474 Posts
Default

Without markings all I can offer are some general observations:

1. Appears to be made for a revolver with relatively long barrel.
2. Definitely made as a swivel holster. The swivel mechanism has probably corroded, preventing movement.
3. Relatively broad through the cylinder/trigger guard area, which leads me toward a conclusion that it was made for a double-action revolver rather than the common single-action models.
4. Multiple holes punched through the flap for the retainer stud, which leads me toward a conclusion that the holster may have been used for several different revolvers over its lifetime, with holes punched to move the flap to better secure a revolver other than the one originally intended.
5. Overall design appears consistent with British Commonwealth military holsters of the pre-WW2 period. I would suspect Canadian or other British connection. Assuming the Commonwealth connection, I would consider possibilities for British revolver models such as the Webleys, Enfields, etc.
6. The small leather tab at the muzzle end on back of holster is probably intended for a strap that could be buckled around the user's thigh to prevent the holstered revolver from flapping around or causing discomfort during some activities (horseback use, etc).

Can't think of any more clues on this one.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 07-01-2018, 05:40 PM
bronco45's Avatar
bronco45 bronco45 is offline
Member
Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Moscow, Idaho USA
Posts: 2,656
Likes: 9,620
Liked 1,696 Times in 679 Posts
Default

Looks like an old Motorcycle Police Officer holster. Motor officers didn't carry a long gun so many times issued a 6" revolver. Off and on a Harley all day every few minutes the holster has to swivel. Flap is to protect the weapon if you have to lay your "motor" down. Antiquated by today's standards. Very practical in their time the 20s and 30s.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 07-01-2018, 05:44 PM
rednichols's Avatar
rednichols rednichols is offline
Member
Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 1,843
Liked 7,687 Times in 2,112 Posts
Default

Military. Late 19th century. Appears machine stitched?
__________________
Red Nichols The Holstorian
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 07-02-2018, 07:15 AM
hardscrabble hardscrabble is offline
Member
Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster Help Me ID Old Holster  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 216
Likes: 73
Liked 259 Times in 73 Posts
Default

Thanks to you all. As stated, the holster accompanied a 5” Victory in 38 S&W. The revolver was purchased from a CA surplus seller in 1958 or so. (The original invoice has accompanied the revolver to David Carrol’s for auction this month, I can’t recall if the holster was on the invoice. I’m trying to decide whether to send the holster along to sell with the revolver. )
__________________
Cy
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
M&P Shield Stealthgearusa Revolution AIWB Right-hand holster+FREE Remora Mag Holster jnbr19867 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 0 02-08-2018 06:06 PM
Withdrawn-Heiser 3 1/2" Mag. Holster, Bianchi Holster, Hume 3 Persons K holster FS turnerriver Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 01-18-2017 03:59 PM
WTS: S&W 39/59 Series, Colt Commander Holster, J Frame Pocket Holster, Ammo Pouch PMRet Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 01-31-2016 06:17 PM
For Sale S&W Brand K frame Holster & Lawrence Holster for 7 1/2" Single Action Pre 29 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 6 11-01-2015 01:41 PM
WTS: J frame shoulder holster, Bianchi paddle holster, 1911 Holster ahanes Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 2 02-20-2012 03:18 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:39 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)