M1916 Holster - USMC REPRODUCTION

[Red Devil]

Well, I'm no holster expert but I ran across one for sale and did a double-take when I got the pictures. It is a M1916 holster but instead of the US stamp it is marked USMC. It is my understanding that Marines were issued US-marked holsters in WWII and don't recall ever reading about USMC-marked ones being made, though I've seen repros for sale over at IMA.

 

So I'm sure it's a fake but it always pays to double check here. I would have dismissed it entirely if it weren't for verdigris on the rivets. Leather condition looks newer but I've seen some well-preserved WWII holsters look just as good.

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

-Johannes

[Fausto]

Hello!

I would swear 100% repro... The verdigris is not for itself a proof of genuinity... On a new made holster it will take no more than 6 months-one year to develope some verdigris around and over the copper rivets... On my 70 years old holsters I take it out every year to have them nice & clean...

Fausto

[Red Devil]

Thank you all for the input! It certainly does look well-made but nevertheless good to know it's likely not an original WWII-era item.

[craig_pickrall]

For several years El Paso Saddelry offered these holsters for sale. I think they made US, USN and USMC. I'm not sure if they offered a USAF version. The holsters were equal to or better than issue. I'm not sure if they are still available. Other makers probably have done the same over the years.

[artu44]

There are a couple of tips to detect a repro. One is the snow white thread and the other the reinforcing stitching in the trigger guard area too much circle-like. This sample shows also "fantasy" overall stitching.

[Red Devil]

There are a couple of tips to detect a repro. One is the snow white thread and the other the reinforcing stitching in the trigger guard area too much circle-like. This sample shows also "fantasy" overall stitching.

 

 

Excellent comparison! :thumbsup: Where is the photo on the right from?

[artu44]

Excellent comparison! :thumbsup: Where is the photo on the right from?

I cannot remember cause I use to steal all interesting pics overall the web. Possibly this one is from the Meadows book about US martial holsters. Up to now I've seen few legit USMC M1912s mounted and dismounted but I cannot remember a single M1916.

I'm not certain if top collectors like Robinb or Charlie Flick do have one.

[robinb]

I only have the M1912 USMC versions.

[artu44]

Yes, this one. Always preserve interesting reference pics.

[robinb]

Yes, that's one of mine alright.

[Charlie Flick]

I'm not certain if top collectors like Robinb or Charlie Flick do have one.

Hello Artu:

 

No, I don't have one either. My USMC holster is the M1912 dismounted style.

 

I agree that the holster pictured by the original poster is a reproduction. Nice, but still a reproduction.

 

Regards,

Charlie Flick

[Ronnie]

There are a couple of tips to detect a repro. One is the snow white thread and the other the reinforcing stitching in the trigger guard area too much circle-like. This sample shows also "fantasy" overall stitching.

Artu although the holster in question is a repro, what if the holster was not a fake and had snow white thread.....could the holster not have been cleaned?

Ronnie

[artu44]

Artu although the holster in question is a repro, what if the holster was not a fake and had snow white thread.....could the holster not have been cleaned?

Ronnie

 

I'm not sure to understand what you're meaning. Original thread was made out natural cotton with a natural cream colour and it can only darken with years. In the pic you can see the thread colour in the original repair kit from the period.

Today most leather maker use thread with mixed polyester fiber an snow white which is very difficult to age. Anyway if such an holster would be legit it would easily reach a 2500$ bid.

BTW I sold the repair kit to a french buddy, maybe it would have been a better deal to give it to a faker.

[Ronnie]

I'm not sure to understand what you're meaning. Original thread was made out natural cotton with a natural cream colour and it can only darken with years. In the pic you can see the thread colour in the original repair kit from the period.

Today most leather maker use thread with mixed polyester fiber an snow white which is very difficult to age. Anyway if such an holster would be legit it would easily reach a 2500$ bid.

BTW I sold the repair kit to a french buddy, maybe it would have been a better deal to give it to a faker.

 

I'm just suggesting that a holster can be cleaned and the thread can brighten up......get more white. And if this is a gauge by which you to determine how old or not a holster is then you may make a mistake sometime. I have cleaned some pretty nasty holsters before and the thread has really cleaned up nicely.

Ronnie

[artu44]

After several attempts to clean salty holsters, I came to the conclusion to use not chemicals or strong detergents butb only saddle soap for cleaning and Pecard for suppleness and maintenance.

This is rhe scarce 5" victory holster after a strong cleaning.