Audley Holster

The Audley holster was designed by Francis H. Audley in 1912, and submitted it to the Army for examination that same year. After a thorough inspection, however, the Army rejected the holster, citing problems with using the spring operated locking device in combat. Audley attempted to win the Army’s favor in 1916, and again was declined. Audley then pursued a commercial route, and some found their way into the military anyway as a private purchased holster for officers. Most notably, Marine Corps officer Lewis “Chesty” Puller carried one of these at one point. 

The holster is made of russet brown leather and has a large front flap which is hinged at the top to the body of the holster. The back of the holster has a belt loop with “Audley Patented October 13 1914” embossed on the back. Although the shown example does not have it, the holster also came with a leg strap. Inside the holster is a metal button with a spring which would catch the inside of the front of the trigger guard and prevent it from moving.