original holster to S&W Mark II HE?

[El Cadiz]

What is the original holster for the S&W Mark II Hand Ejector 1st Model with
6 1/2" barrel? Those that were shipped to the UK during WW1 - did they
by chance find duty with the Webley Mark VI holster?

Any photos appreciated.

 

[Hondo44]

I believe there were canvas holsters and also leather holsters.

There's a Mk II with leather holster shown here:
https://www.google.com/search?q=web...1Ai4QsAQIHA&biw=1362&bih=879&dpr=0.94#imgrc=_

Not familiar with the Webley holsters but a canvas English holster was shown in one of these threads IIRC.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...29363-s-w-44-hand-ejector-1st-model-15-a.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/newreply.php?do=postreply&t=375432

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-lock-wwi-british-markings.html#post137889628

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/358269-2nd-model-mkii.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/238409-455-picture-thread.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/search...:siodb9lchnk&cof=FORID:9&q=455+markings&sa=Go

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...-s-w-model-1917-stamped-not-english-made.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/238409-455-picture-thread-2.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/351610-455-he-markings.html#post137627822

 

[murphydog]

Many of these .455s were privately purchased, likely by well-funded military officers, so it is likely their holsters were too. Most I have seen that could be linked to a specific revolver (probably in the links above ) were leather, full-flap versions.

You could probably find any holster that fits a 6.5" barrel N frame of British origin and that era, and presume it was used in the war - I would guess these .455s would not have been issued to police or carried by civilians.

 

[Jack Flash]

I think canvas holsters came after WWI.

I believe the photo immediately below depicts what was issued for "Land Service". However, as MurphyDog stated, officers bought their own sidearms and certainly, holsters to match.

 

[PJGP]

I think canvas holsters came after WWI. I believe the photo immediately below depicts what was issued for "Land Service".

Yes, webbing holsters post date WWI. The leather holster on the right was for wear with the Pattern '08 webbing kit . The one on the left was part of the Pattern '14 leather kit which was introduced when the massive expansion of the British Army in 1914 outstripped the supply of '08 webbing. Both were for issue to Other Ranks; officers were expected to purchase Sam Browne leather kit with a flapped holster.

Of course all of these holsters were designed to hold a 6" barreled revolver; the S&W has a 6 1/2" barrel.

Peter

 

[Jack Flash]

Good information, Peter.

Regarding the 6.5" barrel on the S&W: I thought the holsters shown were open at the bottom as well as at the top, so the barrel could protrude slightly from the bottom, if necessary.

I believe .455 New Service Colts sold to England at that time had 5.5 inch barrels, so they would not have had a problem with barrel length.

 

[PJGP]

I thought the holsters shown were open at the bottom as well as at the top, so the barrel could protrude slightly from the bottom, if necessary./QUOTE]

Like this?! South African Union Defence Force, mid 1930s. Mk VI .455 Webley in 4" holster. During the 30s the UDF was starved of funds, with very little money for anything new, let alone holsters!

Sorry about the quality, but it is a scan of a photocopy of a print in the archives. I must go back and photograph the print directly.

Peter