Shoulder Holster

[azimuth]

Hi All,
I usually lurk in the M1/M1a board, so I don't frequent this board often. I hope this is not OT here. I ran across what I think is an M3 Shoulder Holster at an antique shop. I was told I could pick it up for $30 if I wanted it, but wasn't sure of it's authenticity. I found the following picture on the web that looks identical to it right down to the condition and the broken lower snap. Is this a genuine WW2 holster, or a reproduction? I really don't desire to buy a repro.

Thanks for any help you can offer.
azimuth
http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/az_imuth/Old%20Album/kress.jpg

[Johnny Peppers]

The holster shown is an original M3 shoulder holster. It is not uncommon to find them with the lower snap off. Most were pushed off by verdigris growing under the brass.

[azimuth]

Johnny,
Thanks for the feedback. The holster that I looked at did have a lot of verdigris on and around the harware, so that makes perfect sense.
I'll be waiting at the door when they open on Monday to pick up the holster.
One more question...would it be 'sinful' to repair the snap, or should it be left as-is?

Thanks again,
azimuth

[Johnny Peppers]

The shoulder holster shown still has the part of the snap that goes on the holster, so if the one you get still has that part I would repair it. If you have to use a new snap that doesn't look like the original, I would live with it a while to see if I really wanted to change it.

[azimuth]

I don't recall whether or not that part was attached, but I'll check that out tomorrow.
Thanks for your help and advice...much appreciated.

azimuth

[thorin6]

Just a note from someone who's been there. I've repaired two of these. One repair on a Viet Nam era shoulder worked fine, replaced the snap part on the holster by removing the thread carefully, putting the new snap part inbetween the leather, restitching with the original thread, and crimping on the new post. I used brass parts to replicate the original. Still have that one.
The second one I repaired by placing a new snap bottom over the existing stud on the WWII era holster ( in both cases the snap cap on the strap was in good shape). Never did like that repair (even though it was pretty solid), sold the M3 holster later and picked up another WWII M3 in excellent shape.
I've since decided that for the older holsters, it's better to get one that has the snaps in good condition. No matter how good the repair, you always know its there.

[azimuth]

Well, I went by this morning and bought the holster. I figured for the price it was a deal even with the bad snap. I've always wanted one and you don't see too many floating around my neck of the woods. Here are a couple of pics with my Sistema (don't have a Colt ...yet). Once again, I appreciate all the help.
http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/az_imuth/Old%20Album/M3-EK-2s.jpg
http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/az_imuth/Old%20Album/M3-EK-1sback.jpg

[kikokat]

Nice looking holster. For $30, you stole it.

[Alkali]

Yep, that was lucky find. I've seen several on eBay lately that went for $100 plus. None of them were as pristine as yours.

[azimuth]

Does anyone know what year the undated ENGER-KRESS M3 holsters were produced? All of the dated examples I have seen were from 1944.

azimuth
http://i498.photobucket.com/albums/rr348/az_imuth/Old%20Album/M3-EK-stamp-s.jpg

[1961MJS]

Hi, even if that wasn't original, it's still a steal. El Paso Saddlery's are over $100, and I picked up a Repro from Numrich Arms for $20.95 plus shipping. Obviously Numrich's isn't up to El Paso's quality, but it carries a 1911, and it conceals under a lot of sweaters and bush jackets.

Later

[A square 10]

great catch on that holster , and the pistol looks right at home even if it wasnt the original , perhaps you may upgrade one day , but keep that one to shoot

[artu44]

For some strange reason EK dated his M3s only in 44 so I think undated holsters could be 1943 or 1945. However studying markings of wartime M1916 holsters markings I've noticed that undated items are younger than dated ones.

[azimuth]

Thanks for the comments. As for the Argentine pistol, it won't be going anywhere anytime soon. I've had it a while and fire it every chance I get. In fact, it has kinda got me hooked on model 1911's in general.

artu44- thank you for the info. I was just curious since I hadn't seen any of them dated other than '44.

azimuth