Original Item: Only One Available. Very nice original WW2 issue leather shoulder holster for the Colt M1911 .45 pistol. Adopted in 1942, this holster was standard issue for aircraft and tank crews, and was often used by officers who preferred it to the hip holster. In combat areas, all sorts of troops found ways to "acquire" handguns and the regulations as to who was and wasn't permitted to carry them were rarely enforced.

Original M3's were made in plain, "natural" leather, as they age they can darken through exposure to oil, dirt, and sweat that turns holsters a russet brown color. This example is a nice orange color, with only minors signs of use. Leather is still soft and pliable, and there is no cracking or splitting that we can see. It is embossed on the front U.S. in an oval, meaning it was military issues (not civilian) and it is nicely stamped on the reverse:

Offered in good condition with all original brass snaps and buckles still retaining most of their original factory "blackened" finish. Only real issue is that unfortunately the male half of the securing snap for the belt loop has popped off. It also appears that the securing strap for the holster was adjusted a little, with new black stitching added.

This is an great genuine WW2 issue upgrade for your Colt 1911.

The Boyt Harness Company was founded in 1901, in Des Moines, Iowa, to manufacture leather saddles and harnesses, and quickly became known as the regional leader in quality products for the farmer and stockman. As word spread of the pride and craftsmanship with which Boyt products were made, the company was soon the standard bearer for leather products nationwide.

Boyt expanded its line of leather products for the first time during World War I, when it contracted with the United States Government to supply leather goods to the American forces fighting overseas. These initial military contracts included Boyt's first production run of gun cases, holsters, and rifle slings. At the start of World War II, the Boyt Harness Company again contracted with the U.S. Government to design and manufacture high quality military equipment including Jeep scabbards, holsters, ammo belts, and paratrooper carbine cases. The production of wartime leather products made Boyt one of the largest employers in Iowa.