Need some opinions on holster and pouches

[milsurp_scout_14]

Bought these from separate internet sources. Received them and noticed that the holster looked and smelled very new; manufacturer font is a bit larger than that on the few real examples I've seen. One of the buckles also appears to be black plastic, which made me 90% sure it was a repro-but holsters are not my area.

 

As for the SMG pouches, they seem extremely new as well, and don't have that stored-in-a-warehouse smell to them. Again, font seems different than on some repros that I looked at. Omahas was the only source I could find selling this exact type--they had them as originals. Additionally, the bottoms of these pouches have been pre-stuffed with some sort of white cloth (possibly cut-up white socks).

 

Anyone have verified originals of either that they could share?

[milsurp_scout_14]

A few better pics

[No Quarter]

They both look fine to me.

 

Jacob

[268th C.A.]

The stuffing was most likley a display pouch. I have been dealing with these guys for 20 plus years. There Dad started the business. Now the sons have taken over.They are pretty good at Identifying items, but not always. They are not collectors. Its a 100% business for them. But I have spent a lot over the years there. They try to describe the item as best they can. I always enjoy going in. They are the only real surplus store left in N. Texas. They do sell reproduction items. So be aware of what your purchasing. They are always friendly and will strive to find an item for you. They will tell you if they don't have it. Also there are 1000 of businesses that get military contracts for an item. Occasionally you may find an item at a surplus store that did not meet US inspectors quality control. So that's where it ends up. Good luck collecting.

[US Military Guy]

"One of the buckles also appears to be black plastic . . ."

 

Which one of the buckles appears to be plastic?

 

I can't think of any buckles on and US military holsters that are plastic.

[milsurp_scout_14]

It's the buckle that adjusts the length of the strap that runs across the wearer's neck (the rectangular one in the middle of the last picture I posted). I didn't recall anything of this vintage using plastic buckles, but wasn't too sure, as plastic was starting to make an appearance on some web gear in the late 60's.

[El Bibliotecario]

RE the plastic buckle:

 

(1) I am pretty sure Cathey Enterprises of Round Rock TX was a bone fide postwar provider of USGI holsters.

(2) I know they sold various patterns of USGI holsters on the civilian market in both black and brown, because...

(3) I bought one of their brown GI pattern shoulder holsters for a K frame S&W revolver. The buckle adjusting the chest strap (I want to call it a harness buckle) is heavy duty black plastic.

 

Readers may draw their own conclusions.

[milsurp_scout_14]

Hmm, that's helpful. Must be one of the type you described; that buckle is indeed a very heavy duty type of plastic. Thanks!