Correct Holster for WWII S&W Victory Model

[Nagloc68]

I am looking for a correct WWII holster for my Aussie S&W Victory model. I have searched this forum and most examples I see are leather, yet I beleive it should be a webbing material. Most military holsters I see are quite simple: webbing style, belt buckle and a flap held with a stud. However, I recently saw this very cool holster for sale with a gun at an auction. Can anyone comment on its autheniticity, which country may have issued it, was it WWII or other conflicts? I have actually never seen one for sale anywhere.



However, most importantly, what would be the correct holster for my WWII Aussie victory?


Thanks for your input.

 

[ordnanceguy]

The holster you posted was designed for British Army Royal Armored Corps soldiers. I suppose it is possible that Australian soldiers in an armor unit might have used that style of holster but it does not seem likely. I am not aware of that model holster having been manufactured in Australia.

Australian soldiers in WW2 primarily used 2 other holsters. Foremost was a web holster in the Pattern 37. That holster was manufactured in Australia as well as in Canada , the UK, South Africa and maybe India. The second holster is a leather version of the P'37 holster manufactured in Australia. I have examples of both in my collection. I don't have access to them at the moment or I would post some pics.

Hope that answers your question.

Regards,
Charlie

 

[John Patrick]

Here's info and photos on the woven Pattern 37 holster. The article is RAF centric but worth the click, imo.

RAF 37 Pattern Holster – Tales from the Supply Depot

ETA article on the Australian Pattern 37 holster:

Australian Produced 37 Pattern Holster – Tales from the Supply Depot

 

[Nagloc68]

Thank you gentleman. Absolutely spot on feedback and information. I am chuckling a little, because no mater how narrow the question, someone usually has the answer. Amazing!

 

[Moo Moo]

There's a couple of different ones on Australian FleaBay site. Also try Bryburn Trading Company.

The Australian Dollar is very weak at the moment so you might get a bargain.

If you cannot get it shipped to you international, you can always send it to my residence and I'll forward it on to you.

 

[murphydog]

The two standard US military holsters for the 4" .38 Special Victory Model were a leather flap version for the belt with a snap fastener, probably the one you've seen, and a leather shoulder holster with a retaining strap mostly used by USN/USMC aviation personnel.

 

[Walter Rego]

Here is an actual Australian produced web holster for the Victory Model/British Service Revolver/Webley .38 caliber revolvers that were issued during WWII. There is an unusual pattern to the weaving in the Australian produced holster.

 

[Nagloc68]

Big thanks for the offer Moo Moo. I'll let you know if I have trouble. Thanks for the additional photos Walter Rego. They are so helpful.

I'll spend some time searching the leads everyone shared and let you know how I go. Again, great info. Thank you.

 

[Mk VII]

You can get a 4" one into the British holster.
Longer ones would have had to use the open-topped one in one of its variations.

 

[Nagloc68]

Thanks to everyone who has commented and provided great input, photos and history. a few have offered surplus products and links to online store. Amazing help. I tink I have located an Aussie WWII P37 holster online! You all made it easy!