Russian Colt 1911 holster

[RCS]

Just a guess, but I would think the Cossack Cavalry would have still have had S&W revolvers up through WW1 and many surfaced during WW2. The S&W Russian in 44 cal was designed as a cavalry pistol with the extended spur to the rear of the trigger guard.
the Russians bought quite a few 1st, 2nd and 3rd model variations from S&W plus the copies that were made.

Photo shows my S&W Uberti 44 Russian, doubt the Russians had pearl grips except for high ranks or presentation

[Bruce McAskill]

I do agree with you about the S&W in .44 Russian. I do think that the increase recruitment of new replacements for the Calvary made it a requirement for the new pistol. German machineguns and artillery made cannon fodder out of many of the Russian Calvary. Standard sidearm for the infantry was the Nagant pistol as well as all the other branch's.