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MODEL 1881 HOLSTER, SECOND TYPE
FOR THE M1873 COLT & M1875 S&W REVOLVERS – VERY NICE
SOLID SPECIMEN:
A Second Type,
Model 1881 Holster as described in US Military
Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes, Meadows, page
106, manufactured between 1883 and 1885, with the belt
loop slightly increased from the First Type to
accommodate the holster carrier strap which was part of
the Model 1882 “Sherman” Cavalry Belt intended to be
worn concurrently, and under, the newly issued Mills
Woven Cartridge Belt. This period of the Indian Wars
saw frequent and continued modifications and adaptations
of the various accoutrements in order to streamline the
soldier’s equipment load. These Second Type Model 1881
Holsters were made and issued for a very short period of
time before being replaced by the Third, Fourth, and
Fifth Types as the belt loops were enlarged to
accommodate the progression of Mills cartridge belts.
As with so many of these earlier pattern holsters, the
survival rate in their original configuration is quite
low due to the extreme conditions in which they were
used on the frontier during the Indian Wars, and the
numbers of the surviving specimens that were modified in
later years with the addition of wider and deeper belt
loops to accommodate the double loop woven cartridge
belts.
Having survived the years in very good condition, this
specimen has solid stitching throughout and all of the
components are intact. The body is very solid and full
form, with light crazing on the front of the body and
the top of the flap fold, but the leather retains a
pleasing shiny finish overall. The body retains a fully
legible “US” embossed in the oval and the holster flap
bears a light, partially legible “Rock Island Arsenal”
stamp, as well as a unit applied inventory stamp just
below the finial holes. The belt loop and the rear of
the holster still retain bright smooth leather surfaces
with no crazing. The belt loop is full form with no
wear or weakness at the corners which is so often seen.
The original bottom plug is still present and intact.
This holster is a very attractive
specimen of one of the earlier scarce and more desirable
variations of the Model 1881 Holster, and a much better
than average example to complete your sabre belt or
display with your Colt Single Action or Smith & Wesson
Schofield. (0133)
$1250
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