Question about an old holster

[fldigger]

I know that it is not S&W related, but I figured that someone here might be able to help me out a little. I bought a Colt 1911 (date of manufacture 1918) and it came with a holster, supposedly similar to the original issue holster. It is marked US in an oval on the front and on the back it is marked U.S. Enger- Kress in the top left corner. It has a strap that comes off the top and attaches on the front edge of the holster about half way down. On the bottom edge it has a small loop of leather, held in place with a brass rivet, there is a strap that secures the weapon with a brass catch on it, and a reinforcing strap of leather running around the body about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom. It looks as though the strap would go over your head and rest on the left shoulder, cross the chest and the holster would be about waist high on your right hip. Does this sound like an Army issue holster of any kind? And, it is pretty stiff and dry, what can I use to soften/clean/condition the leather?
I have pictures, but have no idea how to post them here.
Any insight would be appreciated.

fldigger

 

[fldigger]

I know that it is not S&W related, but I figured that someone here might be able to help me out a little. I bought a Colt 1911 (date of manufacture 1918) and it came with a holster, supposedly similar to the original issue holster. It is marked US in an oval on the front and on the back it is marked U.S. Enger- Kress in the top left corner. It has a strap that comes off the top and attaches on the front edge of the holster about half way down. On the bottom edge it has a small loop of leather, held in place with a brass rivet, there is a strap that secures the weapon with a brass catch on it, and a reinforcing strap of leather running around the body about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom. It looks as though the strap would go over your head and rest on the left shoulder, cross the chest and the holster would be about waist high on your right hip. Does this sound like an Army issue holster of any kind? And, it is pretty stiff and dry, what can I use to soften/clean/condition the leather?
I have pictures, but have no idea how to post them here.
Any insight would be appreciated.

fldigger

 

[ordnanceguy]

Hello:

You appear to have an M3 Shoulder Holster. They were made in large numbers during WW2 by the Enger-Kress Company of West Bend, Wisconsin. It is a US government issue piece.

There are as many opinions on leather care as there are on the weather. As a long time military holster collector I can tell you what has worked for me. I would gently wipe off the holster with a damp, clean cotton cloth and remove any of the green verdigris buildup that might be found around the metal fittings. I would locate some Pecards Antique Leather Treatment and apply that sparingly in accordance with the instructions. Do not use neatsfoot oil, shoe polish or anything else.

Hope this helps you.

Regards,
Charlie Flick
S&WCA #729
NRA Life

 

[m-1911]

Originally posted by ordnanceguy:
Hello:

You appear to have an M3 Shoulder Holster. They were made in large numbers during WW2 by the Enger-Kress Company of West Bend, Wisconsin. It is a US government issue piece.

There are as many opinions on leather care as there are on the weather. As a long time military holster collector I can tell you what has worked for me. I would gently wipe off the holster with a damp, clean cotton cloth and remove any of the green verdigris buildup that might be found around the metal fittings. I would locate some Pecards Antique Leather Treatment and apply that sparingly in accordance with the instructions. Do not use neatsfoot oil, shoe polish or anything else.

Hope this helps you.

Regards,
Charlie Flick
S&WCA #729
NRA Life

I agree 100% with Charlie, but after applying the Pecards, I set the holster in a warm (not hot) place to help absorb the Pecards into the leather. I have an oil furnace that also heats my water so I use it to get some gentle warmth.

 

[fldigger]

I have never tried posting pictures, so hopefully this works. This is the holster I am talking about.

 

[fldigger]

Damn, I guess I got those big enough. Anyway, thanks for the responses. I know nothing about old leather, but always like to learn a little history about my acquisitions. I will try to find some of the Pecards locally, if not then I am sure I can get online, Right?