WWII? Victory holster and lanyard

[chiefdave]

I purchased a Victory (likely a guard gun) that is nothing special except for near perfect condition. The seller threw in a holster and lanyard that he claimed to be WWII issue but they just look too good to be 70+ years old and are both being reproduced today. Holster has no markings and lanyard is wax coated braided cord and is marked HICKOK 1943. Any opinions? Only paid what I thought the revolver was worth so these were pretty much free.

 

[29aholic]

The lanyard is probably righteous, but I would expect some markings on the holster.

 

[rednichols]

If the holster was not ever worn, and kept in a box since new, then it could be in that condition. I've a capgun holster set that is in its box and has never been exposed to light more than minutes at a time since 1950, that is in that condition. But only under such circumstances.

Certainly agree with 29aholic that a 'real' military issue holster is marked; it's a requirement of the maker by the U.S. Govt.

 

[turnerriver]

Those unmarked holsters were US military issue, I don't know what circumstances led to them being issued unmarked but their use has been well documented in photos and elsewhere. They were made, I believe, by Brauer Brothers, note the tan or light brown painted staples at the top and bottom of the seam. I hope the acknowledged forum Victory expert will weigh in with more information.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[kwill1911]

I hope the acknowledged forum Victory expert will weigh in with more information.

I agree with turnerriver, FWIW, and also call for our Victory expert to weigh in.

 

[ordnanceguy]

Hello Chief:

My pals Turnerriver and Kevin are both correct. The holster in question is the standard belt holster issued in WW2 for use by the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. These holsters were manufactured by Brauer Bros. of St. Louis. They are almost always unmarked, although a very few have been observed with markings on the back side that are thought to be legit. These holsters have been reproduced but they are easily detected.

These holsters were not intended for civilian use during WW2. If your Victory is a revolver that shipped under DSC authorization then it likely did not get mated with this holster until after the War.

That lanyard was designed for use with the M1911A1 pistol, not the Victory. I am not sure exactly what lanyard was intended by the Navy for the Victory, and the Navy does not seem to know either. The Bureau of Ordnance Catalog for July 1945 lists a number of accessories for the Victory Model, but not a lanyard. Most contemporary pics of servicemen in WW2 armed with the Victory do not show lanyards, and those few that do seem to show several different types in use.

The one you show appears to be legit but frankly the pics are too fuzzy for me to offer you any certainty.

You should be aware that the Hickok marked lanyards have been reproduced. Check out the International Military Antiques site and you will find that an imported reproduction is being sold by IMA for $9.95.

U.S. WWII .45 ACP 1911 Lanyard- Marked Hickok 1943 – International Military Antiques

Here is what a legit one looks like with its original packaging. (Photo credit to Steve1987)

I hope that information is useful to you.

 

[rednichols]

I stand corrected on the markings and stand by my observation that the condition of leather and stitching required that it was stored and not used . Light attacks leather yet is not the enemy that water is.

 

[chiefdave]

Thanks to everyone who posted. With the detailed info provided it looks like both are legit.