Hoster Identification and Value Help please

[VM]

I was told this was Air Force and for Automatic. I believe it is complete and unused.
Any help with ID, Era, and value APPRECIATED!
Thanks, Mike

 

[JayCeeNC]

turnerriver, ordnanceguy, or Kwill should know for sure.

 

[ordnanceguy]

VM:

That holster was ostensibly intended for use with the S&W Model 39 pistol during the Viet Nam era. I don't have my materials handy here so I will have to get back to you later with some additional info.

 

[VM]

Thanks Charlie

 

[Watchdog]

That looks really good.

Just curious...what is stamped on the snaps and fasteners? I can almost read it if I enlarge it on my screen, but can't quite get it all.

 

[VM]

That looks really good.

Just curious...what is stamped on the snaps and fasteners? I can almost read it if I enlarge it on my screen, but can't quite get it all.

Thanks...

"Pull the Dot"

 

[ordnanceguy]

VM:

There is not a lot known about these rather complicated holsters. As mentioned they apparently were intended for use with the Model 39. That has led to speculation that these are Navy SEAL holsters, although as far as I know no direct connection to the SEALs has ever been firmly established. An NSN for this holster, 1095-00-804-7725, was established back in 1968.

Scott Meadows described this holster in his famous "US Military Holsters" book, but was unable to offer much in the way of detail on it.

I have a couple of examples in my own collection. One in new in the wrapper. The label describes it, rather curiously, as "Holster, Revolver, S&W". Of course, no S&W revolver will fit comfortably in this holster. Below is an image of another example of this holster (not mine) with the packaging I describe.

Another anomaly is the CAGE code which is supposed to identify the manufacturer. On my packaging the CAGE code comes back to some obscure aircraft electronics company, not an outfit that I would expect to be in the gun or leathergoods business.

That is about all I can tell you. I hope it has been helpful to you.

 

[VM]

Thanks Charlie! I appreciate it.

 

[ammoup]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone knows anything about the holster pictured below. I inherited a Model 36 from my late WWII Marine vet uncle. The gun looks in near-new condition and dates from 1976 according to the SN J473XXX. But the holster has got me at a loss. One side is stamped "The Blazer". The other side is stamped "53." It has two bronzed D-rings perpendicular to the holster. It looks like some kind of shoulder rig. I'd appreciate any help to know the manufacturer and just what kind of holster it is, i.e. how was it worn?

Thanks, folks.

 

[turnerriver]

Your holster was made by the Wolfram Co. "The Blazer" was one of their trademarked names. They made holsters for Colt, GF Cake and other retailers and were eventually acquired by Smith and Wesson. Here's a catalog cut from a 1963 Wolfram catalog showing your holster as it was designed to be worn. Your example was made for a model 10 2" M&P revolver according to the model number 53.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[ammoup]

What can I say but "Ask and you shall receive." Awesome response, turnerriver. I thought the holster might have a connection to S&W but I didn't have a clue about its Wolfram roots. And I thought, logically, due to the position of the D-rings it must have some kind of inversion application. Not sure I would want to carry a high quality Smith inverted like that. The holster sort of "traps" the gun. But it seems like under the right conditions it could jiggle out of there. Nevertheless, it is a part of the gun's history.
Upon looking at the catalog page it seems the #51 was actually the correct holster for my uncle's Model 36. He was a tough but quiet and very kind Texan who fought in the Island Hopping campaign from Guadalcanal to Saipan. He was shot and blown up several times. They kept patching him up and he kept going back in. He was the "John Wayne" of our family.
Thank you so much, turnerriver. What a great resource this forum and its members are!