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MODEL 1881 FIRST PATTERN
HOLSTER – VERY GOOD SPECIMEN:
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.
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.M.”
– 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 overall smooth and bright with only some isolated
minor crazing, and the leather surfaces are stable. The
belt loop is very solid and the surface is overall
smooth and shiny without being crazed.
These First Pattern M1881 Holsters in their original
configuration are anything but common, and in this
remarkable condition in spite of the evidence of being a
holster that saw service in the field, will be a special
addition to complete your Models 1874 and 1885 Sabre
Belts, or your Model 1882 Cavalry “Sherman” Belt.
SOLD
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