1917 holster: what's the "tail" for?
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This should be interesting to find out!
TenTea
Member
Many USGI holsters of WW vintage have this feature.
Mostly done in the field (bored?).
Maybe decoration, maybe spare cordage.
Look at enough vintage holsters and you're bound to see some.
Reminiscent of tassel on uniforms...
Mostly done in the field (bored?).
Maybe decoration, maybe spare cordage.
Look at enough vintage holsters and you're bound to see some.
Reminiscent of tassel on uniforms...
I think it is for a lanyard
Many USGI holsters of WW vintage have this feature.
Mostly done in the field (bored?).
Maybe decoration, maybe spare cordage.
Look at enough vintage holsters and you're bound to see some.
Reminiscent of tassel on uniforms...
I'm sure that my dad didn't add it...and it looks long enough to go around a thigh.
Watchdog
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It's a tie-down strap. Or thong. Or whatever you want to call it.
It's a carry over from Western-style holsters. Keeps the holster from flopping around when you're on horseback or running. It shouldn't be too short to go around the thigh.
It's a carry over from Western-style holsters. Keeps the holster from flopping around when you're on horseback or running. It shouldn't be too short to go around the thigh.
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kwill1911
Member
They were NOT done in the field. They were attached to the holsters when issued. It is a tie down and, if unraveled, is plenty long.
I figured that myself.....
DWalt
Member
I know that both the M1909 and M1917 holsters originally had them. I've always thought it was a leg tie-down. Probably not used much for that purpose, possibly more for cavalry use if anything.
So THAT'S a thong?
opoefc
US Veteran
It's a tie down, and very useful if you are crawling in and out of a small area, like a turret or hatch or cock pit, etc. and don't want your holster always getting hung up on something and slowing you down. Ed.
vonn
US Veteran
Always something new to learn here!
TenTea
Member
I stand corrected, updated, informed and duly noted.
Thanks!
Didn't know they were issued that way, but makes perfect horse sense.
Thanks!
Didn't know they were issued that way, but makes perfect horse sense.
fat tom
Absent Comrade
Nope. A lanyard is a totally different animal. The clasp attaches to the butt swivel on a 1917.
f.t.
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ordnanceguy
Member
These tie downs (or "Thong" as described by the military) were made of elk skin. They were not only issued with the holster by the military they were supplied with the holster by the manufacturer. The Government specifications called for these thongs to be provided as part of the holster.
TenTea
Member
WaMike
Member
"These tie downs (or "Thong" as described by the military) were made of elk skin. They were not only issued with the holster by the military they were supplied with the holster by the manufacturer. The Government specifications called for these thongs to be provided as part of the holster."
Then, one day when on leave, a cavalry corporal ran out of money whilst cavorting with a 'soiled dove.' She took said thong as part payment, later began using it as her under-attire and the rest is history.
And that's my story and I'm sticking to it.....
Then, one day when on leave, a cavalry corporal ran out of money whilst cavorting with a 'soiled dove.' She took said thong as part payment, later began using it as her under-attire and the rest is history.
And that's my story and I'm sticking to it.....
If it's too short for a leg tie down that's because it's a repro holster, the originals were long enough. I have a repro with a tie down thong in two pieces. When the spiral wrap is undone, one piece is unattached to the holster making it totally useless as well.
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Jack Flash
Member
Riding at a gallop, you probably did not want the holstered revolver flapping around, hence the tie down. It is hard for us to understand how important the cavalry was in the US Army back in the early days of the last century. If nothing else, they certainly had a lot of say regarding how a sidearm should be carried.
An obvious example of this influence:
The M1917 holster carries the revolver butt forward, cavalry-style. A mounted soldier was to draw his sabre with his right hand so that meant he had to draw the revolver with his left hand. At this point, I guess he was supposed to hold the reins in his teeth!
Talk of sabre charges on horseback may seem horribly anachronistic on a battlefield dominated by the machine gun, poison gas, etc. Maybe it's true what they say about generals always fighting the previous war.
An obvious example of this influence:
The M1917 holster carries the revolver butt forward, cavalry-style. A mounted soldier was to draw his sabre with his right hand so that meant he had to draw the revolver with his left hand. At this point, I guess he was supposed to hold the reins in his teeth!
Talk of sabre charges on horseback may seem horribly anachronistic on a battlefield dominated by the machine gun, poison gas, etc. Maybe it's true what they say about generals always fighting the previous war.
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