|
CIVIL WAR COLT NAVY REVOLVER HOLSTER – SOLDIER
MODIFIED AND MAKER MARKED: This regulation
Civil War Revolver Holster is of the standard pattern
that was issued to carry any one of the several pistols
issued to mounted soldiers during the War. While
settling on a “one size fits all” pattern certainly
streamlined the efforts to supply the troops, the
holsters did not always provide the best fit for the
revolver with which that particular soldier was armed.
If a soldier was armed with a Model 1851 Colt Navy
Pistol, one of the smaller framed revolvers issued
during the War, a standard holster was too deep,
allowing the pistol to drop down into the holster and
therefore difficult to draw when needed. Such was the
case with this holster.
This holster was shortened by removing the excess length
of the barrel tube and using neatly applied stitches to
close the open end, the soldier tailored this holster to
perfectly fit a Colt Model 1851 Navy Pistol, keeping it
positioned properly in the holster and ready for use.
The obvious evidence of use on the belt loop indicates
this holster saw considerable service after the
modification.
This holster is complete with a full form flap, closing
tab, and belt loop, and all the seams and rivets present
and intact. The surface of the leather shows some wear,
but overall still holds a very attractive sheen. The
leather is strong, still holding its shape, with a full
form flap with no edge wear or tears, the body is still
firm and holding its shape, and the belt loop is full
form and while showing evidence of use as noted above,
is not damaged or weakened. The holster is maker
stamped on the flap “J.E.. Condict, New York” and there
is a set of hand applied initials lightly carved above
the closing tab rivet, as well as what could be a
soldier’s stylized version of crossed sabres.
Holsters exhibiting this type of modification which
illustrate the efforts of the soldiers to adapt the
available equipment to their specific needs in the field
are quite scarce, as they did not survive the rigors of
service in the field to be surplused out to Bannerman
and descend into modern collections. These examples are
very important elements in the history of the soldiers’
accoutrements and finding one of these true veterans to
display with your revolver is a rare opportunity.
(0405) $895
|
