S&W Victory Holster Question
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Alk8944
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Here is a link to a company that makes good replicas of historic holsters: Pacific Canvas & Leather Co. INC
In short, the revolver holsters were marked exactly in the same fashin as those for the 1911 depending on branch of service.
In short, the revolver holsters were marked exactly in the same fashin as those for the 1911 depending on branch of service.
bedbugbilly
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markfi - good question . . . I've wondered the same thing myself. I'm assuming that you are talking about those as sold on flea bay? The holster with the m1910 wire attachment on the back that go on the standard Mills style pistol belt?
Hopefully, someone here has an original they can post a picture of showing the front and back?
Hopefully, someone here has an original they can post a picture of showing the front and back?
2K7
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USN Victory shoulder holsters were marked on the rear of the holster in the upper left hand corner along with the date. These holsters were reported to cost the Government $1.35 per unit in 1943. It would not have been issued with the ammunition carrier. There were generally made by hand by the "Riggers" on board the ships and constructed from "sea bags" and elastic. The number of rounds of ammunition generally varies from example to example since they were made by hand.
Belt style holsters with the full flap were not marked. There has been one example reported to have a small US stamped on the rear piece of the leather that attaches the metal fastener to the holster, but I have never seen a photo confirming it. It was reported to be so small a magnifying glass was needed to see it.
There have been many WWII holsters that were marked up in some configuration by the soldiers that carried them such as unit numbers, divisions, initials, etc but they are just that, personal and not as issued.
There are half flap versions of the belt holster (no photos available) that was produced in WWII that are marked Boyt 43 and have a oval with USN embossed on the front of the holster, not the flap. Similar half flap holsters were also made with slight variations by Rock Island Arsenal and several other contractors from 1942 thru 1970's and were marked with an oval containing US on the front of the holster, not the flap.
If you are looking for a half flap holster from WWII, you will want to find one that is dated or it may be one of the models made later on into the 1970's.
If you desire a WWII full flap version, it will be unmarked.
Belt style holsters with the full flap were not marked. There has been one example reported to have a small US stamped on the rear piece of the leather that attaches the metal fastener to the holster, but I have never seen a photo confirming it. It was reported to be so small a magnifying glass was needed to see it.
There have been many WWII holsters that were marked up in some configuration by the soldiers that carried them such as unit numbers, divisions, initials, etc but they are just that, personal and not as issued.
There are half flap versions of the belt holster (no photos available) that was produced in WWII that are marked Boyt 43 and have a oval with USN embossed on the front of the holster, not the flap. Similar half flap holsters were also made with slight variations by Rock Island Arsenal and several other contractors from 1942 thru 1970's and were marked with an oval containing US on the front of the holster, not the flap.
If you are looking for a half flap holster from WWII, you will want to find one that is dated or it may be one of the models made later on into the 1970's.
If you desire a WWII full flap version, it will be unmarked.
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bedbugbilly
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2K7 - Thank you very much. Great photos, great information and very interesting! The supposedly "repros" that I've seen on flea bay are stamped with the US on the flap. I've been trying to find out if that was original or not - I doubted that it was. I do leatherwork and I may just order one though to take apart and use as a pattern. I don't have a Victory (at this time, I'm looking though) but I'd like one also to carry my 4" Combat Masterpiece in. If I'm looking at the photo correctly - the original issue full flap doesn't have a sewn in toe - is that correct - it's "open"? Thank you!
Fessor
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Yes. The full flap holsters, as well as the half flap, all have open toes.
Alk8944
US Veteran
You have to look, there are several pages of several styles!
Here's a photo of the US marked Victory holster used during WW II and after. This one was made by Heiser in the 1950's. Craighead and other makers made them during WW II.
Regards
turnerriver
Regards
turnerriver
bedbugbilly
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Great photos and great information - thank you!
Now I have another question - what are the correct accouterments for the full flap holster with the 1910 wire loop?
Were these worn on the standard Mills type pistol belt . . or were they used on a leather belt attached to the loop style leather "slide" that had the two grommets at the bottom to accept the 1910 style wire loop?
Also, what were spare cartridges carried in? Was a "drop pouch" utilized, a belt slide with loops, a Mills web pouch of some sort? I know there is probably not a "stock answer" to this as I'm sure it varied. I found the "owner added" cartridge loops on the Navy rig interesting - just goes to show the improvements made by soldiers/sailors that happened in any time period.
I have collected military for 50 years but never paid too much attention to the more "modern" items such as these (my main interest was Civil War, I.W. & WW I). Now that I'm old and more in to shooting these new fangled cartridge handguns - it's peeked my curiosity.
Thanks again for the great photos - some very nice examples!
Now I have another question - what are the correct accouterments for the full flap holster with the 1910 wire loop?
Were these worn on the standard Mills type pistol belt . . or were they used on a leather belt attached to the loop style leather "slide" that had the two grommets at the bottom to accept the 1910 style wire loop?
Also, what were spare cartridges carried in? Was a "drop pouch" utilized, a belt slide with loops, a Mills web pouch of some sort? I know there is probably not a "stock answer" to this as I'm sure it varied. I found the "owner added" cartridge loops on the Navy rig interesting - just goes to show the improvements made by soldiers/sailors that happened in any time period.
I have collected military for 50 years but never paid too much attention to the more "modern" items such as these (my main interest was Civil War, I.W. & WW I). Now that I'm old and more in to shooting these new fangled cartridge handguns - it's peeked my curiosity.
Thanks again for the great photos - some very nice examples!
bedbugbilly
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Just thought of another question - I'm assuming some V models were issued to civilian guards at defense plants, etc.? Did they also utilize the military issue holsters or did they utilize the civilian "duty style" holsters of the day such as used by LE at the time?
Is there any book available on the leather gear and accouterments such as these holsters? As an "old guy" who enjoys making holsters/leathergoods as a hobby, I'd love to have a good reference book on these sitting on my bench for reference. "Packing Iron" is one that is always on my bench for reference in regards to the various style holsters of "yesteryear".
There obviously is a lot of knowledgeable folks on here in regards to leather goods of this vintage and if a book hasn't been put out on it, it's a shme that one isn't with great illustrations, markings, contractors, etc. so the information isn't "lost to time".
Thanks again!
Is there any book available on the leather gear and accouterments such as these holsters? As an "old guy" who enjoys making holsters/leathergoods as a hobby, I'd love to have a good reference book on these sitting on my bench for reference. "Packing Iron" is one that is always on my bench for reference in regards to the various style holsters of "yesteryear".
There obviously is a lot of knowledgeable folks on here in regards to leather goods of this vintage and if a book hasn't been put out on it, it's a shme that one isn't with great illustrations, markings, contractors, etc. so the information isn't "lost to time".
Thanks again!
Both Scott Meadows and Charles Pate have written extensively about military holsters. A member of this forum who goes by ordnanceguy is the acknowledged expert on all things having to do with the Victory model. There are other experts as well, including opoefc.
Search for threads by either of them and you will find a wealth of information on Victory revolvers and their accessories.
Regards ,
turnerriver
Search for threads by either of them and you will find a wealth of information on Victory revolvers and their accessories.
Regards ,
turnerriver
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