Authentic US Test Holster?
 

Here are photos of a US Test Holster I am considering purchasing.

Comparing with comparative photos of correct holsters on the board, the threading looks right, and the RIA EHS looks possibly ok.

The hole for the closure stud concerns me as it is elongated vs perfectly round in the comparative photos.

Any comments are appreciated.

I know nothing about holsters; but its being left-handed raises questions in my mind...(Although the theory of it being a cavalry holster comes to mind)...

I do remember that a well-known US holster mfg made US marked military-style Luger (and other makes) holsters in L&R configuration some years back...Probably still offer them...

I used to have their catalog, and pics as well, but with 75 CDs full of archived Internet data, I have no idea where they are...

Edit: According to this Forum thread, Rock Island Arsenal did make hip holsters about that time...

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=6042

Looks pretty good. Any chance of a couple of photos with the lid open, particularly in the area where the trigger guard goes. Also are there any marks/initials on the tab of the front flap just below the closure stud hole?

Thanks, Postino. I believe they were made to be worn butt-forward. I have an old, likely early, reproduction I purchased from Simpson Ltd. a few months ago that I used for comparison as well. It is completely unmarked (except "US").

Ron:

No marks/initials on front bottom of flap that I can see as I have seen on some of the others. Will see if I can get a couple photos of the holster, open.

Photos of the inside of holster:

Clark,
This is the area I am interested in, front side, back side and inside (inside not as important).

Hello Clark,

Based on the images that you have posted, this holster appears to be genuine and the stitching appears to be correct from the early period. I like the small amount of 'flaking' on the holster which shows age. Usually, the repro holsters were made of a different leather feeling rather 'hard'.

Good luck in acquiring the holster. Let me know if you would be interested in an original DWM instruction manual (first variation) in English for the US Test Trial Lugers. I have a duplicate in my archive.

Cheers,
Albert
E-mail: imperialarms.com@gmail.com

Clark, It looks good to me also. That amount of vertigris on the brass rivets take some time to develope. TH

Mine looks much the same, especially the wear patterns, As I'm still in the hospital recovering from my fall and resultant surgeries I'm unable to post mine to demonstrarte the simularities. In any event this holster is 100% genuine based upon your pictures. To own one is a rare treat!!I I wonder if Ron has any idea how many have survived! PS Hi Albert!!!

Update: I purchased the holster, and completed my 3 day inspection. I would like to extend sincere gratitude to Albert, Tom Heller, Postino, CireLaw, and Jerry Burney: all of you who spent time reviewing the photos, comparing this one to other authentic holsters, and providing opinions and advice.

A special thank-you goes out to Ron Wood, who spent additional time with me on the phone and via email to make certain I was making a wise decision. Ron's knowledge of the US Test fed by over 30 years of research and analysis is nothing short of astounding. (Write a book Ron - I'll help!)

Without this forum community, I would certainly have a collection comprised chiefly of a bunch of pretty reblues and fakes.

I also purchased the pistol that came with the holster. It is mismatched non-Bannerman #6900, which was a new one for Ron's database as it had been in a private collection since 1948. The son of the collector says his dad told him he purchased it from the widow of a Rock Island Arsenal employee, but that is of course just heresay.

The fact that it has a test holster and that it is mismatched make me feel pretty good about keeping it. It would be ashamed to break them up if I don't have to.

I'll post some good photos soon.

Thanks again -

Clark

A perfect set!
 

I bought with the holster from Gramps

VERY Nice Clark!

Eric,

If you wish to learn how to differentiate between an original US Test Trials holster and a repro, look closely at the stitching which is tighter (per inch) and the thread is thinner on an genuine holster.

Albert

Albert I knew you would hop in. About 5 years ago Ron took examined all aspects including inside wear patterns and its legit> It doesn't need to worn out like the one You own to be legit! I really missed you! PS.I MISSED YOUR PASSION!