Original Item: Only One Available. This is something we have rarely seen before! This is a Pre-WWI US Army Leather Belt Cavalry Holster for the S&W M1905 Revolver in .38 Special. This is essentially a slightly smaller of the later M1909 holster for the larger frame .45 caliber revolvers.
The holster is in good condition, with the leather still soft, though it is now quite dark in color due to age and use. It was probably also exposed to a lot of oil from pistols over the years. It is complete, including the almost always missing leg tie down, and all stitching and rivets are intact as well, though there is verdigris buildup.
It has a worn US oval logo on the front of the holster, indicating military issue. Even better than that is the unit marking stamped into the top flap:
B
11 - Cav.
59
This would indicate issue to the U.S. Army 11th Cavalry Regiment, B company. There looks to originally have been a 14 at the bottom, but it was overstamped at some point.
On the rear of the holster there are additional markings:
ROCK ISLAND
ARSENAL
1904
H.E.K.
Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois has been a major producer of arms and field gear since its founding in 1832, and continues producing today. H.E.K. are the initials of Henry E. Kelsey, an inspector at the Rock Island Army leather shop.
This holster is not a left hand design. It was originally designed to be carried on the right side of the waist with the gun in the "Butt Forward" position. The right hand would be used for holding a sword. Please see: page #216 in Edward Scott Meadows book US Military Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes.
A very good authentic example of period holster for your WWI collection, unit marked and over 100 years old! This would go great with an original Pre-WWI era S&W M1905 pistol.
