Colt m1911 Russian Contract ?

[browningautorifle]

Looks like the standard M1910 belt hangers that's been slid into the loop without sewing in place.

[SilverVeteran]

The hangers on the back of the holster. Made to attach the holster to a webbed belt. Was this a standard on other Finnish holsters or not? I ask as I do not remember seeing this on other Russian holsters.

Definetely not a standard on Finnish holsters. Finnish army and the Civil Guard both used leather belts. I have never seen a holster with a hanger used in Finland. Also when I asked this and sent photos to finnish war museum they were equally amazed. Well earlier they were also amazed I have found Russian contract Colt Cant say anything sure about russian holsters, but quick according to quick search from the internet it seems not to be standard in russians holsters either.

[Bruce McAskill]

It does look like an American holster that was modified. It appears the back of the holster has been cut back and then stitched?

[browningautorifle]

It does look like an American holster that was modified. It appears the back of the holster has been cut back and then stitched?

That's a piece of latigo that has been folded over and sewn, it was never a US issue holster...no way...

[SilverVeteran]

That's a piece of latigo that has been folded over and sewn, it was never a US issue holster...no way...

I am so interested of this holster I took it to an expert.
According to finnish war museum curators first thoughts:
- leather seems to be too fine quality to have been made in Finland during those days
- this kind of flap fastener was not used in Finland or this would be the first ever he has seen
- sewing is most likely made with machine, because of the thick leather and even stitching
- this Colt has definetely spent lots of time in this holster since both the holster and the colt have matching wear marks

So most likely this holster is not finnish made and that would mean it has been made before spring 1918. I left the holster to museum and they will try to trace the origin.
This really did not make my interest any easier

[browningautorifle]

Yes, of course it's machine sewn. That would just be a shoe maker or Saddler or anyone with a heavy machine... I have those kind of fasteners in my possession, salvaged from ruined US issue. It could be pre 1918 but doesn't have to be. Could just be forty or fifty years old. That's still a long time. If you carried that pistol in that holster for a couple months of field time, the effect would be what you see. It hasn't spent any extended time in the weather and field though. Take a look at any issue holster that was out there, you'll see a much more extensive shaping to the pistol. I don't think you'll ever pin down exactly who or where on this one. How could you...? But for range work or just carry it would suffice well...

[SilverVeteran]

It could be pre 1918 but doesn't have to be. Could just be forty or fifty years old. That's still a long time. If you carried that pistol in that holster for a couple months of field time, the effect would be what you see. It hasn't spent any extended time in the weather and field though. Take a look at any issue holster that was out there, you'll see a much more extensive shaping to the pistol.

Hi Browning,
I dont mean to underestimate your expertise, but in this case you might got it wrong.
Since this Colt was hid in 1945 (there were letter which proves it) and the previous owner passed away 1949 it indicates holster is minimum 74 years old. Then there is a receipt indicating this Colt, one magazine, rounds and a holster was bought from the White Guards in july 1940 indicates holster is minimum 79 years old. According to the museum curator it is most likely made somewhere else than in Finland dates it back to spring 1918 when it was captured from the red army officer. This would make it minimum 101 year old.
Colt was army captains sidearm 1940-1945 which could explain why the holster is in rather good condition. I guess the Colt was not in very heavy use because there was still 4 rounds (rounds which dates back to 1930’) in the magazine when I found this.
Of course there is a chance someone found the gun later, made a holster and used the gun with it and later put the gun back under the floor boards and tossed the holster to a wooden crate in a same barn.... possible, but highly unlikely
Maybe they will find out something more in the museum when they make their own inspections.
And like I said I dont mean to underestimate your opinion, these traces just indicate something else.

[browningautorifle]

Colt was army captains sidearm 1940-1945 which could explain why the holster is in rather good condition.

You see that I could believe. Don't misunderstand me, I'm just saying it's home made and not likely saw much use. Not hard use, just carrying. It's just all this trying to reach far back 100 years...I just said it COULD be only... No, it wouldn't have come out and then returned in a holster. Bet the officer had it made himself.

[SilverVeteran]

Bet the officer had it made himself.

Yes, I dont believe this is industrial made either. Or if it is, then it is a really bad one The big question is which of these officers had it made, the red army officer or the finnish army officer ? As you may have noticed I am really keen to find out the origin... will I ? I really hope so.

[Sergio Natali]

Yup. I think the real trick for you, being in Europe, will be finding the buyer.
In the states, I think it would sell pretty quick at 10k.

You're right, here in Italy for instance the market is completely stuck. If you buy something nice (and expensive) you'll never be able to sell it, unless you give it away for half the price. It's really upsetting.