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milsurpman
05-05-2010, 01:15
Hi Guys, I picked up this holster and not really sure what to make of it. It is not like any of the Navy victory holsters Ive ever seen. Could someone id and give me some background on it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/jp1/Militaria/sw_victory_holster-14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/jp1/Militaria/sw_victory_holster-16.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v490/jp1/Militaria/sw_victory_holster-17.jpg
emmagee1917
05-06-2010, 08:15
Looks like a regular sholder holster that someone removed the regular strap from and had the strap now on it riveted on. Maybe a field modification by a pilot who wanted it on his leg , maybe it got it out of his way in the cockpit ?
Chris
Johnny P
05-06-2010, 09:02
It's not a GI holster. Some type of commercial shoulder holster. Maybe someone in the Norfolk, Virginia is familiar with the maker.
Charlie Flick
05-06-2010, 11:18
Gentlemen:

I will have to disagree with my friend Johnny P. on this one. This holster is indeed USGI. It was intended to carry the .38 Special S&W Victory Model or other 4 inch barreled revolvers. It was apparently manufactured at the US Naval Air Station at Norfolk, VA. The "A+R" reference is to the Assembly and Repair Department. It is missing the shoulder straps and the ammunition slide that fits over the strap. The strap that is still present is original and served as a chest strap. There are a couple of minor variations of this holster that have been observed that have to do with the markings. I have also observed an example in black leather that appeared to have been manufactured in black and not re-dyed. I have never been able to uncover any government documentation about this style of holster. My opinion is that it was a late 1940s or '50s creation. A similar holster was also manufactured by Enger Kress. I have several examples of this holster in my collection.

HTH.

Regards,
Charlie Flick
Johnny P
05-06-2010, 01:14
I stand corrected, apparently.
exitwounds
05-06-2010, 02:47
Here is a variation of the same holster. This one is marked, US NAVY and N.A.S.. This one is missing the belt loop.
emmagee1917
05-07-2010, 09:22
I guess chests were a lot smaller back then. The one in the fist pics did not appear to be as long as the last pics. Plus , I've always been "hefty" , it looks like it would fit on my leg :>).
Chris
milsurpman
05-08-2010, 11:57
Thanks for the great info guys!