M3 Shoulder Holster

[Glenn R. McMannly]

Recently bought this M3 shoulder holster reproduction from What Price Glory:

It’s very well made for the price. I am impressed with the stitching and attention to detail. The hardware is very good as well.

Take care,

Glenn

 

[Hair Trigger]

Looks really good, nice reproduction. Get some wear and age discoloration (patina) on it and it could pass for an original.

Here's one made near the end of WWII by Enger-Kress. Still solid.

 

[AJ]

I have a WW II M3 that Doc Barranti repaired for me. Also have an M7 that I wore on active duty. Both are very serviceable, not sure which I would prefer to use if needed.

 

[DWalt]

I have an original M3 (could be WWII or Korea, definitely pre-Vietnam) but the snap on the lower leather belt loop came apart. Like the black snap pictured above. I have never attempted to fix it, mainly because I don't know if it can be done or how to do it. I think it is stamped Enger-Kress, but I would have to dig it out of wherever it is hiding to find out. Are these worth anything? Has anyone ever replaced a loop snap? If so, how is it done? I would think the old halves it would have to be drilled out.
Related item. I also have a nice 1918-stamped OD canvas 2-magazine pouch, definitely WWI. Do they have any value? I need to sell stuff.

 

[T44spl]

Hello DWalt, to make a repair to either the male or female side of the snap you will need to see if the original leather strap can take the installation of a snap and it it still reach the opposing end. Any old fashion shoe maker can stitch leather or match that strap as close as possible.
Also if you know anyone who is a into boat sailing utilizing wind sails they may have a snap repair kit or maybe even Harbor Freight may have
a manual kit that has grommets and snaps . But very easily doable repair. It's one of those things the first time you do it yourself the kit or tools pay for themself and you have the satisfaction of having made this repair yourself.

 

[T44spl]

If the leather is too old, brittle or frail to make this repair it may necessitate changing the strap. In that case you'll have to try and match it as best as possible.

 

[AJ]

I have an original M3 (could be WWII or Korea, definitely pre-Vietnam) but the snap on the lower leather belt loop came apart. Like the black snap pictured above. I have never attempted to fix it, mainly because I don't know if it can be done or how to do it. I think it is stamped Enger-Kress, but I would have to dig it out of wherever it is hiding to find out. Are these worth anything? Has anyone ever replaced a loop snap? If so, how is it done? I would think the old halves it would have to be drilled out.
Related item. I also have a nice 1918-stamped OD canvas 2-magazine pouch, definitely WWI. Do they have any value? I need to sell stuff.

Do some research as to what they are selling for. Then post it on a board that is mainly collectors. If priced right it will sell. If nothing else there is always Ebay.

 

[DWalt]

My holster has leather in pretty good condition, with neatsfoot oil on it, so it is dark. What happened is the male half of the snap came loose and is stuck inside the female half. I have not tried to pry them apart so I don't know if that can be done or not. I do not have any real need for the M3, and guess I should sell it as-is on eBay, etc. if it is worth enough.

 

[s&wchad]

What happened is the male half of the snap came loose and is stuck inside the female half. I have not tried to pry them apart so I don't know if that can be done or not.

The male portion should have a flange protruding just under the female snap button. Press a slotted screwdriver blade between the two and give it a twist. The male will pop right out.

I've repaired a few holsters using an inexpensive snap kit and/or pop rivets.

This holster was missing the strap. I used leather from an old belt and added a new snap button.

These had broken male studs. I reattached them with pop rivets and rivet washers.

You can buy a kit on Amazon for under $10.

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-1265-Fastener-Fasteners/dp/B00004T7VT/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=snap+button+repair+kit+tool&qid=1696190746&sr=8-8[/ame]

 

[DWalt]

I'll see if I can find my M3 and take a better look at the snap. I think I know where it might be but I have not seen it for several years so I don't remember what the snap looks like. That M3 hasn't had a M1911 in it for probably 30 years, maybe longer. For carry I normally use a more civilian style leather holster on a web belt.

 

[Xfuzz]

I always liked the way the shoulder holster's
looked with the 1911's.
This old one is marked Hunter but don't know if they
were military issued.

 

[AJ]

I always liked the way the shoulder holster's
looked with the 1911's.
This old one is marked Hunter but don't know if they
were military issued.

Need a picture of the stamping, please.

 

[Xfuzz]

Here ya go...

 

[Moo Moo]

I have a WW II M3 that Doc Barranti repaired for me. Also have an M7 that I wore on active duty. Both are very serviceable, not sure which I would prefer to use if needed.

What is the difference between the M3 and M7 holsters? I just had a quick look on Google Images.

 

[AJ]

My guess would be post WWII. I believe the WW II holsters had the makers name and the date. My duty holster that I wore (and still have) says HUNTER CORP. 7791627 on it. I liberated it in the mid 1980's.

 

[AJ]

What is the difference between the M3 and M7 holsters? I just had a quick look on Google Images.

Mat,

A chest strap and the over the shoulder strap. I have both if you want pictures.

AJ

 

[DWalt]

I checked on the well-known internet auction site. Seems that authentic WWII M3s are being listed in the $150-200+ price range. Repro M3s are in the $50-60 range.

 

[Drm50]

I had unused M3 that I was issued in 1970. Flak jacket made it useless.
Just sold it 3 or 4 yrs ago, I think on forum. Don’t remember price but I think less than $50. Ours were black. I still have issue Belt & Flap holster also black. I carried a 22 in it for years after I sold my 1911. One of the few guns I regret selling.