Old Holster

[wvcraftsman]

My dad gave me this old holster. I am hoping someone might be able to tell me about how old and who the maker is.

[bdt46]

That looks like a U.S. Army standard issue holster for a Model 1911 45 Auto. The army changed from brown leather to black leather some where around 1960. Don't know exactly what year they changed from the 45 to a 9 MM, but that should give you a rough time frame, if I'm right! C'mon some of you military experts and give us a hand here! Reason I think this could be right is that I was in the Military Police in the mid 60's. Good luck on finding out for sure!

[wvcraftsman]

Thanks. It sure was thirsty for some oil. It soaked it up as quick as I put it on.

[gregintenn]

That would be a M1916 USGI holster for a 1911; an A-1 I guess. According to the marking, it was manfactured by: BOYT (Walter Boyt Saddlery Co., Des Moines, Iowa). The 43 on it was an issue date. I believe it should probably be brown and has been redyed black. Someone else can probably either confirm or debunk that.

Edited January 9, 2011 by gregintenn

[Lobo]

US Model 1916 Dismounted Pistol Holster for the M1911 and M1911A1 .45 caliber pistols. Made by Boyt in 1943, originally undyed tan leather.

The US Army changed to black leather items during the latter 1950's, at which time existing stocks of holsters, shoes, etc, were dyed black and remained in service.

Unfortunately, with the dye job collector value is all but gone. Original and unaltered, these regularly bring $50 to $150 depending on condition.

[wvcraftsman]

US Model 1916 Dismounted Pistol Holster for the M1911 and M1911A1 .45 caliber pistols. Made by Boyt in 1943, originally undyed tan leather.

The US Army changed to black leather items during the latter 1950's, at which time existing stocks of holsters, shoes, etc, were dyed black and remained in service.

Unfortunately, with the dye job collector value is all but gone. Original and unaltered, these regularly bring $50 to $150 depending on condition.

Thanks Lobo. That's very useful information.

[Big O]

That looks like a U.S. Army standard issue holster for a Model 1911 45 Auto. The army changed from brown leather to black leather some where around 1960. Don't know exactly what year they changed from the 45 to a 9 MM, but that should give you a rough time frame, if I'm right! C'mon some of you military experts and give us a hand here! Reason I think this could be right is that I was in the Military Police in the mid 60's. Good luck on finding out for sure!

US Army was still using those holsters (in black) as late as 1990. It took awhile for the Berettas to get distributed to all units. I was very disappointed when they got around to mine.......