Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition original WWII issue leather shoulder holster for the Colt M1911 .45 pistol. Adopted towards the end of the war in 1944, the M7 shoulder holster rig was designed to improve upon the earlier M3 shoulder holster. The M3 could only really be worn in one position, and was not ideal for carrying a pistol under a jacket, and also often placed the pistol against the wearer's ribcage. With two adjustable straps, the M7 allowed the wearer to customize exactly where they wanted the pistol sitting against the body, for both comfort and easy of reach. This holster 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 was rarely enforced.

Original M7's were made in plain, "natural" leather. This would age over time to a lovely brown color. This holster however was dyed or painted black at some point, which is still retained quite well, except on the belt loop and the back of the holster .

The straps are in very good condition, with just a bit of stiffness, and they do not appear to have been shortened or cut down. Overall the leather is in solid condition.

The holster is embossed on the front U.S. meaning it was military issues (not civilian) and is nicely stamped on the reverse:

Offered in good condition with functioning lift-the-dot and belt snap, making this an excellent genuine WWII upgrade for your Colt 1911, especially if it was issued to the U.S. Marine Corps.

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.