Opinion needed - WW1 Swivel Holsters

[sd8]

Hello everyone.

 

I am looking for members opinions concerning which holster to keep. 

 

Background information:

The pictures are of two RIA 1911 swivel holsters. One is from 1911 and the other is from 1915.

 

I have a 1911 SN 1339X Colt from 1912. Someone refinished and when they did they erased the US property mark and the "Model of the US Army" mark. The slide and frame was refinished but they left all the other parts with the very nice Colt bluing. 

 

The RIA holster from 1911 came with a complete strap/buckle stuffed inside it. Also, I can see that the inside the RIA 1911 holster shows marks inside made from a Colt 1911 with rounded rear site. SO it was used at some point.

 

The RIA holster from 1915 came with the the buckle side still attached except the tab feed leather side was broken/rotted off. I replaced the leather strap of the 1915 holster with a new piece of leather and put the orinigal buckle on it. The 1915 holsters shows marks inside from the later 1911 squared rear site.  The buckles from both holsters are exactly the same except the one from the 1911 holster still has finish on it that matches the metal of the 1911 holster but the 1915 buckle is showing brass and oxidation.

 

My delima is I really like the 1915 holster because it looks like its been somewhere. The 1911 holster looks to have been used but as you can see from the pictures, the back is marked with some sort of black ink. Also of note, the 1915 appears to have been embossed with something above the "US" emboss. I can't make it are out but there letters and numbers.

 

My questions to all are "Which should I keep and what could I seel the other for?"

 

FYI, I want to sell one so I can have money towrads a purchase of an old Beretta.  

 

I have attached pictures. The last picture is of an old swivel holster showing how the strap was attached.

 

[stratasfan]

Moved this out of the Forum comments board into "Firearms", as I'm sure you'll get opinions! 

[sd8]

Thank you stratasfan!

 

[Dragoon]

Nice holsters, I have owned a great number of these holsters over the years, they are a favourite of mine. Therefore if it were me unquestionably without a doubt I would keep the 1911 dated version, it has a good color and clear markings including the US, it has the original leg strap which is more desirable, from the photos the ink letters do not detract from it too much. In an ideal world having both would be great to show the later modifications, but I understand your reasons for not needing two. The 1915 is a good example and perhaps if the unit marking was clearer, but if you want only one the 1911 example is a keeper.

Of course looking at it from the other perspective, if you are looking for the higher sale price the 1911 version is probably worth almost double that of the 1915 example.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[sd8]

Thank you Dragoon for your response. 

 

I am on the look out for a 1912 US issued swivel holster complete with strap but not having much luck. If I find it, I will get rid of the other two. 

 

[Dragoon]

Good luck on your search 1912 examples show up from time to time, just in case you are not aware although dated 1911 your holster would have been made in early 1912.

[kwill]

I don't have an opinion as to which holster to keep but I'd like to see some pictures of that pistol, especially the grips.

[sd8]

Hello Dragoon.

 

Thanks for that tidbit.  In your opinion would the 1911 holster I have be right for US property Colt 1911 SN 1339X? Please answer when you get a chance.

[sd8]

 

 

Hello kwill.

 

here you go. Please note I bought the pistol over 15 years ago. It actually came with a "H" barrel, after-market replacement mag and broken WWII replacement grips. Because of the SN, I decided to keep it as a shooter. I sold the "H" barrel for way a little more than I paid for the pistol. I put the extra money towards a set of real ivory carved relief grips with one of my favorite subjects carved in it. Never seen a pair like it since. I assume they were custom made. Also bought a modern barrel marked "Colt 45 auto" and a WWI Colt two-tine mag with lanyard ring. All that is left in original Colt factory condition is the internal parts, except the barrel.

 

Here are the photos of the grips.

 

 

.

 

 

[kwill]

Thank you!

[Dragoon]

13 hours ago, sd8 said:

Hello Dragoon.

 

Thanks for that tidbit.  In your opinion would the 1911 holster I have be right for US property Colt 1911 SN 1339X? Please answer when you get a chance.

Your holster is absolutely fine being early enough for a 1912 made pistol.

I had a quick look at the serial number and note it is one of a batch shipped to the US Navy Yard Brooklyn, N.Y. in 11/9/12. In which case it would have been marked MODEL OF 1911 U.S. NAVY.

 

[GWS]

Keep the 1911 holster and sell the 1915 marked one. The 1911 still looks close to original finish while the 1915 has been oiled many times over and isn't very appealing. Sorry to be so blunt, but just my opinion and thanks for showing these.

 

                                                                                 Steve

[sd8]

Thank you both, Dragoon and GWS.

 

GWS, you are telling it like it is and I like that. For Dragoon, I really appreciate you informing of the month/year of delivery.

 

I will put my "Colt Navy 1911" in the holster marked with 1911. Think I'll check GB for a Colt from 1915

 

Thank you to everyone for your input. 

 

As an FYI, for my next thread, I will be showing off a few JB movie firearms. I'll put it out some time next week if anyone is interested. 

 

Again, thanks to all!

 

 

[everforward]

The 1911 dated version is much rarer, made in smaller numbers. The earliest versions had a metal tube inside of the leather swivel that protected the belt hook from wearing out the swivel extension, you might wanna see if you can see if the tube is present.... I'd keep that one if it was my choice.

[sd8]

Hello everforward.

 

I just checked the holster and it does have a tube. I have to admit I never noticed it before you mentioned it.

 

Thank you for your response! I will be keeping the 1911 holster since the forums members unanimously suggest I do.   

[ccyooper]

Nice holster and pistol.  I can’t imagine all the help you are getting on Navy colt. Good advice on the early holster. Good luck. 

[sd8]

Hello ccyooper.

 

Everyone is very helpful on this US Militaria forum and I like that!

 

Last night I put together this makeshift rig from stuff I collected over the years so I can hang it on the wall. I don't have the 1st aid pouch from WWI but I do have a 1942 and a 43. The color was too green for this rig. Both have the original metal encased bandage in them.

 

1. I will assume it is a M1912 belt, has two X'es on it and no other marks or print.

2. Canteen set. Canteen is 1918, canvas is 1918 and cup is unmarked. The cup has some stuff scratched into it.

3. LFC knife from 1917 with a 1918 scabbard

4. 45 mag pouch from August 1918.

5. 2 Colt 1911 lanyard loop magazines.

 

It may not be all from pre-war but it will do the trick for me. Remember, this pistol has been refinished and they removed the "US Property" and what I learned from the forum, the "Model 1911 of the US Navy". 

 

Here are the pics.

 

 

[sd8]

Forgot to add this photo.