Anyone know what this M1916 holster cover/carrier might be?

[FTLewisBrat]

Picked this up a while ago at a flea market, it was purchased just as pictured (without the 1911 of course).

 

The holster is a standard M1916 Enger Kress which is undated. The cover/carrier is made of leather which has been "painted" white. You can tell by the construction that it's a one-off item, definitely not factory made.

 

The pair have been together for a very long time, I wouldn't be able to separate the two without destroying the cover. The white painted part (towards the bottom) has a little cracking, also stiching is separating a little.

 

Always just assumed it was an MP, parade or "dress" item of some sort.... Army, Navy, USMC... I don't know.

 

If anyone has run across this an might be able to give me some insight as to its use I'd appreciate the info.

 

Thanks,

Rick

[FTLewisBrat]

...

[TheGrayGhost]

I think you are spot on about what this might have been used for. Unfortunately, no way to know for sure which one unless it was named. I have seen fabric versions for exactly the same purpose, but not a leather one. Very nice piece!

[72psb]

Could it have been used as a protective barrier for a white uniform? Navy or Army whites? Keep the black holster from staining the uniform.

[FTLewisBrat]

Sorry for my poor photography skills.

 

Just to clarify, the holster is a well oiled (dark) brown. Which I think puts it pre 1956... don't know if that makes any difference or not.

[RustyCanteen]

That is interesting, it would have been for ceremonial/MP type use. I used to see the web version of this all the time, but I do not recall seeing a leather one.

 

Such as these: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/166135-1950s-army-mp-brassard-and-gear/

[doyler]

Seems a lot of the holders for the holsters were often used in combination with the same brown belt.They needed a hanger tab or something to enable the M1910 style wire hooks(of the holster) to be used as the belts didn't have the typical eyelets like a duty belt/pistol belt.