Original U.S. WWI 33rd Division Unit-Marked M1916 .45 Leather Holster by Perkins-Cambell - Dated 1917 - 122nd Machine Gun Battalion

Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is a very rare totally original WW1 Model 1916 holster for the .45 auto. This holster is maker marked PERKINS CAMBELL, for Perkins-Campbell Co., Cincinnati, Ohio and it was made in 1917 and inspected by R.J.M..  Perkins-Cambell only made this holster during WW1, and along with the brass belt clip, indicates this is definitely a WW1 holster close to 100 years in age.

This example is stamped below the embossed US on the front:

CO B 122 MG BN

This denotes use by an NCO/Officer of Company B, 122nd Machine Gun Battalion, 33rd Division, American Expeditionary Forces. It is extremely difficult to find unit-marked holsters, even more-so to units that saw combat in France. The battalion saw combat in the Somme Offensive from August 8-20th, the Verdun-Fromereville Sector from September 10-25th, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive from September 26th to October 21st, and the Troyon Sector from October 26th to November 11th, 1918. This is an extensive amount of combat for any AEF unit, making this a fantastic battle-worn holster!

This M1916 holster in very good condition, with a deep russet brown color to the leather, with no damage or tears. All stitches are still intact, with all brass parts still present, though there is some verdigris buildup around the rivets and hanger. Also the leg tie down is no longer present, but easily replaced.

A fantastic battle-worn holster. Just perfect for a WWI issue 1911 .45 pistol!