Fall 2026 Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 123:
Description
U.S. WWII M1916 Leather Holster for the Colt M1911/M1911A1 .45 ACP, Mounted on an Olive Drab M1936 Webbing Pistol Belt This lot presents a classic World War II U.S. Army sidearm rig: an M1916-pattern leather holster paired with its companion M1936 woven cotton pistol belt, the standard field combination issued to officers and NCOs carrying the Colt M1911 and M1911A1 .45 ACP service pistol. No individual soldier’s name or unit marking is visible on either piece, and no separate biography attaches to this rig; its significance rests in its type, government-contract manufacture, and honest period service wear. Adopted in 1916 and carried through both World Wars and into Vietnam, the M1916 holster became one of the most enduring pieces of U.S. military leather equipment of the twentieth century. Manufactured under contract by firms such as Boyt, Milwaukee Saddlery, Warren Leather Goods, and Enger-Kress, it followed a standardized pattern: a boxed flap embossed with ‘U.S.’ within an oval, brass wire hangers for belt mounting, and a leather thong for securing the holster to the leg. It was worn by American infantry officers, tank crews, military police, and airmen across the North African, European, and Pacific theaters, riding on the M1936 pistol belt – a heavy cotton webbing belt fitted with three rows of blackened or brass eyelets that let the wearer configure canteen covers, first-aid pouches, and magazine pockets as mission and rank required. The holster is constructed of thick saddle leather, showing the embossed oval ‘U.S.’ stamp to the flap, with brass hanger hooks and rivets exhibiting verdigris patination consistent with age and field use; the leather surface shows scattered crazing, scuffing, and finish wear, and the leg tie-down thong remains present. Stitching throughout appears intact and structurally sound. The accompanying M1936 web belt is finished in olive drab cotton webbing, retaining its rows of blackened metal eyelets and belt hardware with light oxidation, the fabric showing light age fading and minor fraying or soiling typical of genuine period service rather than long undisturbed storage. No additional accoutrements, ammunition pouches, or paper ephemera accompany this lot – the rig is offered as the holster and belt alone. Maker stamps, if present beneath the flap or on the belt hardware, were not confirmed and should be checked on examination. Condition throughout is fair to good for a piece of this age and type, entirely consistent with a working combat-issue rig rather than a parade-ground example. A solid, honestly worn WWII U.S. sidearm rig that captures the standard-issue look of the American G.I. armed with his .45, ready for research or display alongside a period M1911A1.
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