Original U.S. WWI Colt M1892 / S&W M1902 Revolver Holster by Rock Island Arsenal - Dated 1903

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an absolute beauty of a holster. This is a WWI AEF US Army/USMC Leather Belt Holster for the Colt or S&W M1892 or M1902 Revolver.

The holster is in fair overall condition, with the leather still soft, and light wear around the edges. The bottom ring for the leg tie down is missing, as is the leather tie string. The small leather tie inside the belt loop to secure it from moving when mounted is also missing. It has a clear US oval logo on the front. The leather is still soft, solid with great intact stitching. There is only minor staining, other than that, this is still a very serviceable, attractive holster.

On the front flap of the holster there are additional markings, which were not stamped well, so they are hard to read:

ROCK ISLAND
ARSENAL
1903
H.E.K.

Below this is the marking 76 / HQ which could denote issue to the Headquarters Company, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Division, which saw heavy combat in WWI. This holster is not a left hand design. It was originally designed to be carried on the right side of the waist with the gun in the "Butt Forward" position known as the Cavalry Draw. The right hand would be used for holding a sword. Please see: page #216 in Edward Scott Meadows book US Military Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes.

A very good condition authentic example of an over 100 year old holster for your WWI collection. This would go great with an original WWI era .32 revolver.