1902 Test Eagle Holster?

[RAHamilton]

Gentlemen:

I have an opportunity to purchase the holster pictured below. As you'll notice, it is representative of the 1902 American Eagle Test Holsters. I've sent these pictures to Jerry Burney and he suggested I post them here for comments.

The thing that immediately becomes apparent is that this holster lacks the RIA/E.H.S. stamp, which was the differentiation or mark associated with the Rock Island Arsenal production of the 1,000 holsters made specifically for the American Eagle Test Lugers.

It does have the U.S. encircled stamp on the front closure flap and is identical to the one Jan Still shows in his book "Imperial Luger" with the exception is does not have the brass ring inserted in the drain hole in bottom of the holster.

Jan wrote an interesting thread on his website about the holster he has, which he received with a Test Eagle.

In appearance, leather age, patina, and vertiges, it appears to be ERA correct, but without the RIA/E.H.S. stamp its authenticity becomes suspect. In "Imperial Lugers" on page 212 is the holster Jan has in his collection, which seems to be a sister to this one with the exception of the brass ring inserted in the bottom.

I would appreciate any and all comments from the more experienced collectors. Thanks, as always, for your comments and assistance. The asking price is $850 in case anyone is interested?

Best Regards,
Bob

[Imperial Arms]

Hello Bob,

In my opinion, the holster is original, but it was offered by retailers/dealers as a commerical holster for the 1902/06 AE Lugers. The holster appears to have been tan color, but age (and maybe polish) made it become darker.

The price of $850 is a bit high and I reckon that $300-$350 is more reasonable for an early commercial holster.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Cheers,
Albert

[George Anderson]

Bob,

It's old but I don't think it's for a Test Eagle. Looks more like it was intended for a revolver.

In comparing your photos to my holster the differences are striking; the Luger holster has a much more delicate and elongated snout. The base of the snout with the drain hole is tear drop shaped on the Luger holster. The "US" stamping is different and the pictured holster is backward.

These observations are based on my assumption that my holster is correct. If you would like photos, I will email them to you.

[Pete Ebbink]

Hi Bob,

This one does not hang on the right side, with the pistol butt forward.

If I were in your shoes, considering a $ 850 purchase for a US Test holster, I would wait out to find one that has the stampings and conforms to the right side, butt forward design...

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

[Ron Smith]

I agree with George. I believe that is a 1900 style holster for the Army revolver. The trigger guard pocket isn't angled sharply enough for a Luger holster. The upper edge or stitching should be more parallel with the line of the snout along the back edge. More squared off, so to speak.
Ron

[John Sabato]

I am certainly no holster expert, but I have eyes <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> ... when compared with this excellent example of a genuine U.S. Test Holster that is displayed on Albert Beliard's website (I sure hope you don't mind Albert... )



the differences in design are very apparent...

Just look at the genuine belt loop (extends above the holster), the impression of the "US" Emblem and it's location, and the size and shape of the flap... reverse image or not... while it may be a similar design, I don't think this is a test holster either...

I agree that it is a revolver holster... probably for a Colt Army .38 caliber double action revolver...

[RAHamilton]

Everyone:

Thanks to all of you for your very observant and informational comments. Jan C. Still on his website did a wonderful review of the 1900 American Eagle, a part of which was dedicated to the holster that came with the one he used in his photographs.

I have included the link below to that presentation Jan did back on 11-14-03. You will notice from the photographs several things. First, the holster Jan shows is a twin to the one I have photographs of and displayed above. Second, one of the pictures in Jan's presentation shows the Test Eagle inserted in the holster which Jan describes as a "perfect fit".

Later in his discussion, Jan mentions he believes this to be a Commercial Luger Holster that could possibly have been part of the Bannerman purchase, but he's not certain either. His research can find no reference to this particular model, other than the H.H. Whitney submission where the butt of the pistol faces "rearward" when worn on the right side. He does state, however, from his research there are subtle differences between the H.H. Whitney holster(s) and the one that came with his Test Eagle.

As always, I certainly appreciate the comments of all members of this forum. This is a wonderful place to gain knowledge and learn. Again, please review the presentation by Jan on his site. I will include the URL for this presentation, but if it doesn't take you there, you can do a search of all boards under "TEST EAGLE HOLSTER" to find his presentation.

I certainly welcome any and all comments. It's how I and hopefully others unravel some of the interesting mysteries surrounding these fascinating pistols and their accessories.

Best Regards,
Bob

Jan's Presentation Site:
http://www.gunboards.com/luger/topic...,eagle,holster

[George Anderson]

Bob, as to value of a Test Eagle holster, about five years ago Bob Simpson told me he had sold his last one SEVERAL YEARS earlier for $4000. I got mine plus $700 in a trade for a 1906 Navy about four years ago.

It's a jungle out there.

[ken d]

If you need a representative piece until an original comes along, ElPaso Saddlery makes an impressive repro $75.00. www.epsaddlery.com click on military. I have no connection with them.

Regards Ken D

[Ron Wood]

Guess I will have to stick my neck out a little here. I do not believe it is a commercial holster, nor do I think it is a revolver holster. I do not know much about early US military holsters, but I do not think the 1900 era revolver holsters were full flap as this one is.

I think the chances are very good that this holster is authentic. As has been noted, it is a non-standard "right-handed" version. All of the issue "left-handed" (or right-handed butt forward) that I have seen bear the RIA/E.H.S. stamp plus inspector's initials on the front flap. ALL of the right-handed versions that I have seen or have heard of DO NOT have any markings other than the US cartouche on the front flap (with the exception of the one that was offered a couple of times on auctions that had been made into a right-handed version by turning it inside out). My opinion on these right-handed holsters is that they were made up by the arsenal for possible consideration but were not meant to be issued, and therefore were not arsenal/inspector stamped.

I have personally seen and handled the right-hand holster formerly owned by John Morgan (photos of his consecutively numbered 1902 prototype Lugers are in Kenyon's "Lugers at Random") and now owned by John Eckert. It is identical to the holster in this discussion. There are at least four of these right-handed holsters in existence. I think the one Jan Still has pictured in â??Imperial Lugersâ?� had the lanyard loop added because that was a feature of the Army service revolver holster at the time, so an example was made up as one of the options to consider.

These are my personal opinions and there is not a shred of evidence to substantiate my suggestions. It seems the trend lately to soundly trounce on suppositions or speculations (not necessarily on this forum) that havenâ??t been previously written up by the pundits. But what the heck, it isnâ??t any fun if you canâ??t walk on the wild side and shake things up a bit once in a while.

Join in the fun and flame away <img border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="graemlins/bigok.gif" /> ,
Ron