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...