The M-1912/16 Holsters in World War One
Soon after the adoption of the Colt semi-automatic .45 caliber pistol, the Model 1912 holster was put into production after its acceptance. This holster had a swivel attachment to better fit cavalry use, but was used by dismounted troops as well. It was made of russet brown leather, and had a front flap with a “US” in an oval embossed on the front. It had a wire hanger for attaching to a pistol or cartridge belt. On the back of the holster will usually be a manufacturer name, the year of manufacture, and the inspector’s initials. This holster saw use in the Mexican Expedition in 1916 and into WWI.
The Model 1916 holster saw the deletion of the swivel attachment. The back of the holster had a wire hanger and also a set of slits in the back to allow a belt to be woven through if there was no way to attach the wire hanger to the belt. It still featured the “US” in oval embossed on the front flap. The manufacturer, year, and inspector’s initials can be found under the wire hanger much like the M-1912.
*Cover photo courtesy of National Archives
American Militaria Reference
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