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Holster I.D?
- Thread starter Cruiser1
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sure looks like a Boyt model 1916, WWII vintage
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- Jun 28, 2007
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Standard holster for the model 1911.
It is of WWII style, but probably issued after due to the fact it is black in color, which came after the war. I have had WWII holsters dyed black that were of 1945 vintage.
BO could be Bolen, they made black M1916 holsters.
Regards,
turnerriver
Regards,
turnerriver
ExRanger714
Member
IIRC 7791466 is the drawing number for holster, pistol, m-1916, etc., under FSN 1095-592-6492 and almost surely from the black-boot US army era (1960ish to 1984ish) . YMMV.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
US Model 1916 Dismounted Pistol Holster for the Model 1911A-1 pistols. As others have mentioned, markings probably indicate Bolen production with the part number/drawing number/federal stock number/contract number. Time period of production is probably mid-1960's to early-1970's.
The US Army transitioned to all-black leather gear in the mid-to-late 1950's. All holsters remaining in unit inventories were dyed black, usually leaving the back sides undyed to avoid causing stains to the uniforms in use. The popular term of the era referred to the differences between the old "brown shoe Army" and the new modern Army.
The last M1911A-1 .45 pistols were received in late 1945. No more were ordered or accepted after WW2 other than a few special purpose pieces such as National Match guns. No new holsters or other accessories were contracted until the 1960's when combat units were deployed to Vietnam, and many of those remaining in depot storage were found to be afflicted with mold or mildew. New contracts were given to Bolen, Bianchi, and a couple of other companies for M1916 hip holsters and M3-style shoulder holsters (tankers, aviation units, etc).
While serving in Vietnam I carried a M1911A-1 made by Remington-Rand in 1944 using a M1916 holster produced by Sears Saddlery in 1943, dyed black and stamped "MRT 1960" indicating Mildew Resistant Treatment applied in 1960.
The US Army transitioned to all-black leather gear in the mid-to-late 1950's. All holsters remaining in unit inventories were dyed black, usually leaving the back sides undyed to avoid causing stains to the uniforms in use. The popular term of the era referred to the differences between the old "brown shoe Army" and the new modern Army.
The last M1911A-1 .45 pistols were received in late 1945. No more were ordered or accepted after WW2 other than a few special purpose pieces such as National Match guns. No new holsters or other accessories were contracted until the 1960's when combat units were deployed to Vietnam, and many of those remaining in depot storage were found to be afflicted with mold or mildew. New contracts were given to Bolen, Bianchi, and a couple of other companies for M1916 hip holsters and M3-style shoulder holsters (tankers, aviation units, etc).
While serving in Vietnam I carried a M1911A-1 made by Remington-Rand in 1944 using a M1916 holster produced by Sears Saddlery in 1943, dyed black and stamped "MRT 1960" indicating Mildew Resistant Treatment applied in 1960.
I have a bunch of GI 1911/&A1 holsters, several were unissued, brand new, obtained when the Army transitioned to Berettas. These holsters were dumped onto the Milsurp outlet buyers.
I remember paying $5.00 each. There were 2 different OEM's that stood out for the VietNam era....like you have...Bolen Leather Products, and Cathey Enterprises. In both cases as posted by others the government number is 7791466. Below pics are a Cathey Enterprises, and I can't find a pic of my Bolen but trust me, it reads exactly the same.
The pic of my FM Hoyt 1918 dated vintage 1911 GI holster is shown to depict what others have posted...the "brown" army vs the "black" army.
Yours may have just simply worn the US embossing off. Both my Cathey and my Bolen have extremely weak, very lightly "stamped" rather than true embossed US and mine are unissued so maybe yours had it, maybe not.
I remember paying $5.00 each. There were 2 different OEM's that stood out for the VietNam era....like you have...Bolen Leather Products, and Cathey Enterprises. In both cases as posted by others the government number is 7791466. Below pics are a Cathey Enterprises, and I can't find a pic of my Bolen but trust me, it reads exactly the same.
The pic of my FM Hoyt 1918 dated vintage 1911 GI holster is shown to depict what others have posted...the "brown" army vs the "black" army.
Yours may have just simply worn the US embossing off. Both my Cathey and my Bolen have extremely weak, very lightly "stamped" rather than true embossed US and mine are unissued so maybe yours had it, maybe not.
Attachments
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
I suspect that the "US" stamp was impressed on the flap lightly enough that it is now difficult to see.
