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MODEL 1903 RIA HOLSTER MODIFIED FOR EARLY AUTOMATIC PISTOLS:
A standard M1903 .38 Caliber Holster manufactured at
Rock Island Arsenal in 1909 and so marked, that has been
modified to carry one of the early automatic pistols –
possibly during the early 20th Century Trials
of the Automatic Pistols. The modification was
completed by removing the belt loop and flap from the
body of the holster and reassembling all three
components in order that the pistol could be carried
butt to the rear. The flap was set higher than the
original configuration of the M1903 Holster, providing
enough room for a longer pistol and the contour of the
throat of the body of the holster was altered at the
same time to allow ready access to the trigger guard of
the pistol. The interior of the body of the holster
shows a broad wear mark on the front fold, as would be
left by the top of the slide on an automatic pistol,
and there is no evidence of the wear marks normally left
by the fluted cylinder of a revolver, indicating this
holster never carried a revolver. These modifications
and characteristics all seem to indicate that this
holster was modified to carry one of the early, 20th
Century Automatic Pistols, possibly during the Automatic
Pistol Trials, or so modified for an officer. The
modification is well done and is of the quality of the
work completed by the arsenals or skilled installation
work shops. The surface of the leather is overall very
smooth with no crazing or flaking, showing only minimal
use. The seams are all intact and solid, and the tie
down ring and plug are present. A nice variant piece to
add to your collection. $155
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