Original U.S. WWI Era Marine Corps Belt Rig with M1912 Colt 1911 USMC Swivel Holster & Named USMC-Marked Canteen Cover - Dated March 1917

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind Set. This is an outstanding belt rig with some very scarce components, and the set is set up perfectly for a Marine during the World War I era. The set consists of a pistol belt, holster, magazine pouch, and canteen.

The items include:

- M1912 USMC Swivel Holster - Before World War One, the M1912 Cavalry Swivel Holster was designed for the soon to be adopted Colt 1911 .45. It was produced from 1911-1916, although commercial models were also made well after WWI. The M1912 is identified by its extended hanger and swivel section. The holster was designed for mounted cavalry troops, so that it could still be tied to the leg while bent. A dismounted model was also produced under contract, identified by still having and extended hanger but no swivel section. This example is embossed USMC in an oval on the flap, and the leather has become rather stiff, but thankfully there isn’t much dry rot. A bit of the leather strap to the back is missing. The original pistol lanyard is wrapped around the belt at the holster.
- M1912 Pistol Belt by MILLS dated March 1917. Marked in one spot W.S. PRESCOTT, possibly researchable.
- M1911 Magazine Pouch by MILLS, dated March 1917. Certainly matching to the belt.
- M1910 Seamless canteen (heavily dented) in USMC-stamped canteen cover. The bottom of the USMC-marked canteen cover is inscribed:

JACK C. MACDONALD
2ND BATT. HQRTS.
1ST REGT.
U.S.M.C.
SANTO
DOMINGO

This identifies the set, or at least the canteen, to Private John C. Macdonald, who served in the Marine Corps from 1922-1925 and spent some of that time in the Dominican Republic.  He was discharged in May of 1925 at the end of his enlistment. The cover has heavy wear with verdigris on the metal fittings. It is difficult to open the cover because of this.

This is an outstanding belt rig with some great pieces, ready for further research and display.