Ads for this "holster safety latch" design turned up in some 1943 gun magazines. A search found patent number 2,349,376 SAFETY LATCH FOR PISTOL HOLSTERS submitted by Frederick A. Ray, Van Nuys, California in 1942 and granted in 1944. In function, it seems to be essentially an Audley finger button with a coil spring instead of a leaf spring.

Even more intriguing is the note that Ray is the agent for Captain A.H. Hardy holsters with the latch installed.


My invention relates generally to pistol holsters,
and more particularly to a safety latch
that is mounted on the inner wall of the holster
and which engages the trigger guard of the inserted
pistol so as to positively maintain the
pistol in the holster and prevent the accidental
displacement, thereof until the latch is released
by pressure of the index finger of the hand used
in withdrawing the pistol from the holster.

The principal objects of my invention are to
provide a . holster latch that may be applied to
practically all conventional pistol holsters, further,
to provide a latch [that] automatically moves
into trigger guard engaging position as the pistol
is inserted into the holster, ...

The first to produce of picture of a holster with this device will receive our eternal gratitude.

.

Attached Images

Ray, F. A. holster latch 1943.jpg (179.2 KB, 99 views)

Attached Files

	Ray, F. Al Pistol Latch holster patent 1942 2,349,376 I.pdf (397.9 KB, 42 views)
	Ray, F. Al Pistol Latch holster patent 1942 2,349,376 II.pdf (410.1 KB, 12 views)

Seems similar to Audley's 1914 patented models.

Audley did a VERY brisk business during the pre and post WW1 years.

Main difference I can see is that Audley designed and sold different holsters for different models, where here "the latch" was attachable to almost any holster.

Interesting.