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MODEL 1881 HOLSTER, SECOND TYPE
– MODIFIED FOR THE COLT “ARTILLERY” 5 ˝” BARREL
REVOLVERS :
As described in US
Military Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes,
Meadows, page 143, this Model 1881 Holster (Second Type)
was one of those subjected to the modification which
begun in 1895 to accommodate the Colt Revolvers with the
shortened 5 ˝” barrels – referred to by modern
collectors as the “Artillery Model Colts”.
A very good specimen, this holster features solid
stitching throughout and all of the components are
intact. The body is very solid and full form, with an
overall very good to excellent smooth, shiny surface to
the leather, and a legible “US” embossed in the oval.
The holster flap shows the affects of aging with the
surface generally crazed, but stable and both of the
finial holes are intact. As seen in period photographs,
it was fairly common for the soldiers to fold the flap
back and tuck it between the belt and the soldier’s body
in order to expose the pistol’s grip for quick access.
This may have been the case with this holster and would
explain the heavier flexing of the leather surface of
the flap as compared to the other components. The loop
is very solid and the surface is very good to excellent
with a smooth, shiny surface to the leather. There is a
numeral “7” carved into the surface of the loop, likely
a soldier’s application of a unit identification.
These “Artillery Model” Holsters are not particularly
common, and this is a complete, very credible, solid
specimen of one of the more desirable variations of the
Model 1881 Holsters. (0105) $975
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