What Is This Holster?

[VMI88]

I just picked up this holster that came from a collector's estate. A handwritten note indicates it came with a Manhattan revolver. I laid a Colt Navy next to it and it seems like an exact fit (though I obviously didn't try to insert it!). The holster measures 13 1/8" from tip of the muzzle to the furthest point on the flap. There are no rivets or other metal fittings at all. It looks like there's some decorative tooling around the flap and in a couple of straight lines down the length of the holster. I'd love for it to be Confederate, of course, but I guess it could also be a private purchase officer's holster, or even civilian. Any information would be appreciated!

 

[Salterr]

I just picked up this holster that came from a collector's estate. A handwritten note indicates it came with a Manhattan revolver. I laid a Colt Navy next to it and it seems like an exact fit (though I obviously didn't try to insert it!). The holster measures 13 1/8" from tip of the muzzle to the furthest point on the flap. There are no rivets or other metal fittings at all. It looks like there's some decorative tooling around the flap and in a couple of straight lines down the length of the holster. I'd love for it to be Confederate, of course, but I guess it could also be a private purchase officer's holster, or even civilian. Any information would be appreciated!

Please try and add a photo, that's the quickest way to identify it.

 

[James Brenner]

Nice holster. It is difficult to determine exactly what it is. I just looked through Meadow's book, U.S. Military Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes, and found a few holsters that are similar in the sense that they have no finials, they include a flap closure loop, and carry the butt to the rear if the holster is worn on the right side (cross draw?). The half flap is reminiscent of post-war holsters and, in fact, looks like it had been sewn on to an earlier Slim Jim holster. I base the flap comment not only on the stitching but also on the shape of the holster body, which generally follows the shape of the revolver. Post- war, issue, military holsters were more streamlined. The presence or absence of a toe plug doesn't really mean anything.

I can't say if it's military, civilian, or both. Regardless, it's a unique and interesting holster.

I hope this helps a bit.

 

[James Brenner]

One other thing. The holster was originally likely not intended for use with a Manhattan revolver. You can see where the trigger guard compressed the leather.

 

[VMI88]

Thanks - that's helpful information.