Left Handed M1912 Holster ??

[Bolo Badge]

I purchased a copy of "The Devil Dogs at Belleau Wood", by Dick Camp today and have spent the afternoon enjoying it and the many photographs of WWI era Marines that I had never seen.

One of which (p.35) was that of a Marine Officer wearing a left handed verison of what appears to be a M1912 holster. I might have missed it but for the author mentioning it in his caption. In addition, while not mentioned by the author, I found another left handed version being worn by an enlisted Marine on page 109.

Are these holsters authentic USGI left handed versions of the M1912 or are they simply the result of a photograph being reversed?

If they are authentic is there any information available as to how many left handed versions were made? Also, was a left handed version of the M1916 holster made?

Thanks.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Johnny Peppers]

I have not seen the pictures, but am betting that the negatives were reversed as there was never a left handed Model 1912 holster. Look at some of the other things in the picture to see if they are reversed also. The magazine pocket went on the left side near the buckle, so which side is it on in the picture?
There were no left hand Model 1916 holsters either. The one that throws them is the Model 1909 holster which was used in WWI for the Model 1917 Revolver. It was worn on the right side, butt forward, but it makes a good left hand holster even though it was never intended to be worn that way.

[artu44]

Indeed Govt never ordered southpaw holsters for the 1911 but just revolver holsters pre and during WWI. The only one left hand M1912 I ever saw I got on ebay and it's obviously a private purchase despite the big US.

[Johnny Peppers]

I believe all the regular issue holsters were worn right side, butt forward until the Model 1912 Holster was adopted. The holsters for the various autos tested before the Model 1911 was adopted were right side, butt forward.
No holsters were worn on the left side.

[browningautorifle]

The 1912 and 1916 holsters are produced today as repos and both hand draw. Dishonest representation and ageing make them look like something they aren't. I would never believe anyone trying to sell a left handed 1912 or 1916.

[artu44]

The 1912 and 1916 holsters are produced today as repos and both hand draw. Dishonest representation and ageing make them look like something they aren't. I would never believe anyone trying to sell a left handed 1912 or 1916.

As collector I dislike repos but I'm incline to buy "private purchases" of the period. I got my lefty 1912 from Turnerriver (a notorious Miami collector) and it seem old enough to be from WWI era or some years later. It's completely unmarked except for teh big US. Few more pics with an old cast aluminum toy.

[Johnny Peppers]

"Private purchase" still doesn't equate to the U.S. military buying left handed holsters.

[tinbender]

As an MP in the late 70's, our issue side-arm was still the 1911A1. One of my buddies was left-handed and had his own set-up. It's been 30 some years, but I remember that it did not attach to our web belt like the issue holsters. It snapped to a keeper that was attached to the web belt by looping the belt thru it. It was a very nice set-up and was well made. He always referred to it as a "66 rig". I don't remember it being US marked. Mike

[Bob Collins]

The "66" rig you refer to was the Bianchi model 66 holster. The holster could be worn on the right or left side. Many Military Police units used this holster during the 70's. However, it was not a military issued holster. One of the Viet Nam movies showed an officer wearing the Bianchi 66 rig....seems like it may have been Robert Duval in Apocalypse Now.