Holster arrived today and the stitching was already missing at the hanger location so bending to put it in wasn't an issue. I solved the problem by creating a more minor problem. I have a WWII canteen cover with a brass hanger. So I pulled that one out with some difficulty and put it on the holster. That I won't be too concerned with finding a brass replacement, steel will work fine with that unless I find out that this is a super rare cover because only 5 were made with brass hangers. 1943 dated so not likely a transitional of any sort. Holster condition is pretty good except for the missing stitching which I can replace. Leather if soft and flexible without any major cracks. It's been a while since a 45 was in it but only had one minor hang up and then it slid right in. Now I just need to find a WWI 45 to go with it.