Unidentified Holster

Any ideas what this is? Looks like some sort of cavalry holster. US style wire hanger but not US marked that I can see.

Coming up empty on internet searches. Tried putting a 1911 in it and it was very tight and strap wouldn't close but could be because it's stiff. Doesn't appear to have been used much but stored poorly. It does not pivot but I haven't messed with that much either.

Possible allied nation after WWII?

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../evbZeTB-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../KdlTJDR-1.jpg

It could be for the M1917 or possibly even the model M1909 or M1903 revolvers? It seems to have a revolver more than an automatic shape. It also looks to be unit marked on the back. Depending on the condition of the leather use saddle soap to clean it. Let it dry completely and mink or neatsfoot oil to moisturize it. If your looking to restore it use black shoe polish before oiling. If it's cracking or crumbling leave it alone.

I posted the same thing on one of my Facebook groups and got some answers pretty quickly. The one that seems the most accurate is that this is a police holster made for six-inch barrel medium frame revolvers like the Colt Official Police or S&W M&P

The 55IX is probably the type of holster, the 6 for the barrel length. The 45 remains a mystery, possibly the date of manufacture. I can't see any other markings on it.

Large numbers of Colt Official Police revolvers were purchased by the military during WWiI and mostly distributed to factory guards, etc rather than seeing active military service so perhaps this is what this is for. Could also be for general post war police use or one other suggestion was locally sourced MP usage.

I'll clean it up and see what it looks like. I'd like to get the paint spatters off it at least, they can be fun sometimes.

I only paid $14 for it so I don't think I got hurt much by it not being military. Not as interested in Police stuff but the possible factory guard connection is sufficient for my purposes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aragorn243

The one that seems the most accurate is that this is a police holster made for six-inch barrel medium frame revolvers like the Colt Official Police or S&W M&P

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That I would believe.

It did clean up nice. The paint spatters came off easily. Now I have to dig through my trash as last week I threw out my old boot polish and brushes. At the time I said I'm never going to polish boots again. I haven't touched that stuff in 15 years and even then it was to move it. Seems to be the way it always happens. Don't need it till yuou don't have it. At least I'm pretty sure it's still out there as i put it out after the trash was picked up.

The holster looks like one that the United States Air Force Security Police used back in the late 50's to early 70's. They were primarily armed with Smith & Wesson and Colt Revolvers.

Could very well be. This popped up immediately with a search. Almost identical. They also apparently used a 4 inch barrel holster of the same type. Several listings found. You just need the right combination of words sometimes, thanks.

US Air force issue black leather revolver holster. - Militaria

6 over 45 on the back I wonder if it could be a manufacture date of June 1945 ?

Pretty sure the 6 signifies barrel length. The 45 is more of a mystery, would be nice if it was the year of manufacture. I assumed the caliber but a 45 pistol would seem to be too large for this holster. I though a 1911 but it didn't fit well.

Here it is cleaned up with one coat of polish on it.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../U78EI5j-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../Q6zSEiG-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../EjoWUnu-1.jpg

I would think 45 would be the model number of that manufacturer.

That's what I thought the 55IX was. The other fellow who identified it as a police holster said that was the caliber after he initially told me it was for the 38 so I don't think he knows either. Others there also disputed it was the caliber. Year seems most likely to me. It was stamped differently; the two numbers don't line up.

I found something similar but with flap. I know it doesn't identify but the holster is marked the same way except it's just 551 instead of 551X. I thought maybe Heiser Holsters because they made some of the M&P holsters in russet brown for the four inch guns. Anyway, this one comes from Ebay, pictures preserved here with caption. Have a look.

"We offer a World War II era black leather holster stamped with 551 over 6 over 45 and inscribed on the side of the holster with "D L Burns #200 6/13/42".
Included is a black leather cartridge holder.
The holster measures 14 3/4" by 5 1/2" and the cartridge holder measures 3 3/8" by 8 5/8".
From the collection Retired Commander United States Navy Dalton Louis Kuder (19 August 1930 - 9 November 2011)."

Interesting the marks are about the same. The handwritten 1942 date isn't helpful or maybe it is. Rules out it's a date. I've found several that were exactly like mine except the markings when I looked up Air Force holsters as suggested.