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MODEL 1881 FIRST PATTERN HOLSTER – IDENTIFIED TO
THE 8TH US CAVALRY REGIMENT, COMPANY C - VERY
GOOD SPECIMEN: A particularly nice specimen,
this First Pattern Model 1881 Holster is boldly stamped
on the flap “C 8 CAV”, identifying that it was issued
within Company C, of the 8TH US Cavalry
Regiment. Given the period which these holsters were
available, it is most likely that this holster was in
the inventory of the 8TH Cavalry while they
were stationed in the Arizona Territory and serving in
the field during the Apache Wars.
The first of the series of the Model 1881 Holsters,
these First Pattern Model 1881 Holsters were designed to
carry both the Model 1873 Colt and the Model 1875 Smith
and Wesson Schofield Revolvers. Produced for a very
short period before being supplanted by succeeding
patterns with larger belt loops, these early specimens
are one of the very historic holsters of the Indian Wars
period.
As described in US Military Holsters and Pistol
Cartridge Boxes, by Meadows, on page 104, these
holsters were made with the narrow belt loop,
specifically intended to be worn on the leather sabre
belts and they predate the need for the larger belt
loops which would follow with the introduction of the
woven cartridge belts. As the new cartridge belts were
adopted, many, if not most, of these First Pattern Model
1881 Holsters were modified by replacing the belt loop
with larger loop as designed into the later holster
patterns, and these specimens which escaped the
modification process are now notably scarce.
In addition to the 8TH Cavalry Regiment
inventory stamps, the holster flap bears the legible
“Rock Island Arsenal” within a rectangle cartouche,
correct for the First Pattern holsters manufactured in
1881-1882. The tip of the flap is stamped with “D.C.L.”
- the inspector’s initials, and “W.H.V.” – the piece
worker’s initials.
As with all of these early Indian Wars, this holster
shows signs of use, but given the low survival rate and
the environments in which they were used and stored,
that they survive at all is remarkable. The condition
of this specimen is very good, with solid stitching
throughout and with all of the components, including the
plug, intact. The body is full form and solid with a
strong, legible “US” in the oval. The flap is full
form, supple, and the stampings are all very legible.
The surfaces of the body and flap are crazed, but the
surfaces are stable. The belt loop is very solid and
the surface is overall smooth without being crazed.
These First Pattern M1881 Holsters in their original
configuration are anything but common, and one which
features identification to a specific cavalry regiment
will be a special addition to complete your Models 1874
and 1885 Sabre Belts, or your Model 1882 Cavalry
“Sherman” Belt.
(0213) $1450
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