Reproduction 1917 holsters, who's making them? (pic)

[canoeguy]

Got a nice reproduction 1917 holster on Ebay the other day, the listing said they are made from the Rock Island Arsenal drawings. Paid $42.00 plus shipping. It seems to be of high quality, maybe better than the originals as these are made to wear strong side, butt aft like a modern holster. Original holsters are expensive, and in most cases the leather is too stiff to actually use the holster.

Anyone have an idea who is making these reproductions? I also have a similar reproduction of a WW2 Victory Model shoulder holster, looks like it was made by the same people.

Here's a couple of pics, the holster is marked on the back "G&K, 1918, A.G." :

 

[canoeguy]

Got a nice reproduction 1917 holster on Ebay the other day, the listing said they are made from the Rock Island Arsenal drawings. Paid $42.00 plus shipping. It seems to be of high quality, maybe better than the originals as these are made to wear strong side, butt aft like a modern holster. Original holsters are expensive, and in most cases the leather is too stiff to actually use the holster.

Anyone have an idea who is making these reproductions? I also have a similar reproduction of a WW2 Victory Model shoulder holster, looks like it was made by the same people.

Here's a couple of pics, the holster is marked on the back "G&K, 1918, A.G." :

 

[Smithhound]

Not sure who the actual manufacturer is but I think you can find them here:

http://www.ima-usa.com/index.php/cPath/4_92?osCsid=f265...8abdf91d13d0ef33a103

RD

 

[rome11]

Here's two for you,
http://www.pacificcanvasandleather.com/holsters/us_holsters3.htm
http://www.epsaddlery.com/c-14-military.aspx
The El Paso is top of the line.

 

[Jack Flash]

I was going to say El Paso Saddlery, but Rome11 has already provided a link. No doubt, theirs is of the highest quality, but you pay for it. And probably wait for it, too.

I have a decent one I got from IMA years ago. The price now isn't much more than it was back then. Sorry, I don't know where they have them made. Mine doesn't have any maker markings on it at all. At least you can't say they are making fakes.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

If you buy anything from IMA reference Shotgun News. Their ads in Shotgun News feature significantly lower prices than the website. Retail vs MSRP maybe?

 

[canoeguy]

Well, I went to the website provided by Rome11 and found out my holster is almost certainly one imported by Pacific Canvas and Leather. Thier website says their products are imported, but doesn't say where from....

 

[delta-419]

Bought a mode 1917 holster in Canada, came with a little slip of paper that said "Made in India".

 

[canoeguy]

Now that you mention it, I bought an M1 Carbine case years ago that probably came from Pacific Canvas and Leather, and it too was marked "Made in India".

I'm betting that most of the reproduction stuff out there is being manufactured in India....

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Originally posted by canoeguy:
Now that you mention it, I bought an M1 Carbine case years ago that probably came from Pacific Canvas and Leather, and it too was marked "Made in India".

I'm betting that most of the reproduction stuff out there is being manufactured in India....

There is an awful lot of leather goods imported from India and Pakistan, holsters, belts, shoes, horse tack. But I believe some U.S. law requires the article to be stamped with the nation of origin? To mark it "G&K 1918" seems unusual, as this was a WWI defense contractor. I know collectors and reenactors want authenticity, but gee, what will those holsters look like in 50 or 75 years? The butt aft would be a WWII model, as the WWI models were worn butt forward. Maybe that's how they get away without being accused of fakery with the 1918 marking?

 

[target tech]

I bought a 1917 holster from Pacific Canvas and Leather a few years ago. I was very impressed with the quality. This summer I bought a victory sholder holster for the 4" 65 that sits under the seat of my Jeep. I am still very impressed with the quality for the price. I always figured the stuff was coming out of China, but India/Pakistan makes more sense.

I spent the big bucks on the 22-4 and called El Paso Sadlery and ordered a 4" 1917. Alot more money and a 3 month wait, but well worth it.

 

[Opie]

I was given an El Paso Saddlery 1917 holster for Christmas. I like it. It is well made, like all the EPS gear I have seen.

It does not have a ring for the leg tie-down. The leather strap is just stuck through a hole and tied in a knot to keep it from falling out.

 

[artu44]

IMHO if I couldn't afford an original I'll buy an US made commercial for a 6" N frame revolver. Never with repros. My stomach dont stand the G&K marking on that stuff and the joke "from original RIA drawings". They never saw the RIA drawing nor an original otherwise............

 

[patentmike]

...I bought a victory sholder holster for the 4" 65

Any idea whether a model 66 would fit, or would the bigger sights be in the way?

 

[canoeguy]

Patentmike,

I have one of those reproduction Victory Model shoulder holsters as well, and they will not fit adjustable sight revolvers, the rear sight will not allow the revolver to go all the way into the holster. Tried it this morning with my 4" Model 66. If you want a holster in that style, El Paso Saddlery can make you one to fit adjustable sight revolvers.

Or, you could find a reproduction holster and modify it with a small cut to fit the rear sight, I have seen authentic holsters modified in this manner to accomodate adjustable sight revolvers.

 

[patentmike]

I like the idea of a holster with "my" initials (USMC) on it. Thanks.

 

[TN RAT]

Have you got more pics of these two holsters and the canvas bullet slide?

Thanks.