1912 holster question

[Harlan (Deceased)]

This Ebay seller is lucky enough to have an unlimited selection of nicely marked original holsters.

[kikokat]

Nice, crisp markings, Harlan, It looks brand new!

[Truman]

a pic of a couple of of other holsters for comparison. The middle one is a Boyt 42 with a 1924 belt hanger and the end one is a nice Boyt 44. The 1912 did not come with the leg belt but did have two loops. Honestly the quality of the 1912 is comparable with the Boyts. Thanks Truman

[Scott Gahimer]

I don't think quality is in question here, but rather markings and originality.

My M1912 holsters also do not have the serif type 1 in the date stamps. My markings are also applied differently.

I think Johnny makes a good point about the type of die used to apply these markings being different for leather and steel.

[Truman]

Thanks Scott I think I am just trying to console myself that if I was taken at least it was an excellent example. Up untill now I have not seen this quality of repro. Not to worry for but $50 it will make a nice conversation piece and a usable holster. Thanks Truman

[Scott Gahimer]

I think you did great for $50. It appears to be a high quality holster with nice detail. $50 doesn't usually buy nearly as much. Congratulatins on the good buy.

[AutoMechanic]

Here are a couple of examples of Rock Island Arsenal made holsters. According to Meadows Holster book, RIA made approx. 200,000 holsters between 1911-1916. In terms of numbers, these holsters are not rare but I would assume most of them are just used up.

Model 1912


Marks have faded. 1914 T.C.C.


Model 1916

Just below 1916, can’t make out the date, M.E.K.

[artu44]

As told, this holster is a good quality repro. "Repro" is a too good word when they reproduce also markings to fool people, maybe it's better call it "fake". Of course there are many details saying it's a repro, but the most obvious and detectable from long distance is the shape of the arched stitching in front of the trigger guards.
In the pic an original R.I.A.1913

[Johnny Peppers]

1912 holster
Thanks Scott I think I am just trying to console myself that if I was taken at least it was an excellent example. Up untill now I have not seen this quality of repro. Not to worry for but $50 it will make a nice conversation piece and a usable holster. Thanks Truman

Your first tipoff that the holster was not authentic should have been the price. You just don't buy $300 original holsters for $50 in this day and time.