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Yeah, thanks Andy! Sounds like I'm off the hook! I kinda doubt I could ever get another stamp to come out as good.

This is intended as an overview of 19^th century U. S. Army belt holsters, covering the patterns actually issued. Soldiers bought civilian styles and modified or made their own throughout the period. Initially, the Army's handguns were large, single shot and usually carried in saddle holsters, often in pairs. Belt holsters issued by the US Army started in the mid-1850's as revolvers were issued in sizes small enough to be easily carried. All standard issue Army holsters in the 19^th Century were designed to be worn on the right side, with the pistol butt forward. The most plausible reason is that pistols were issued predominantly to mounted troops. A mounted soldier controlled his horse with his left hand, the right hand being kept free for his saber and later, his firearms. The saber was worn on the left and the new revolvers on the right, in a manner where they could be drawn with either hand. This continued even after the saber was no longer issued for combat. The early holsters also had a flap that covered the entire pistol - necessary to protect percussion pistols with loose powder or paper cartridges.

Since this is a 1/6^th Scale forum, the photos show 1/6^th recreations of the major holster models and a few variations covering 1860 to 1890+. I've shown both sides to illustrate the differences in belt loops and general construction. Dates are initial pattern dates. All of these holsters were issued long after they were superseded by new models and were frequently modified to meet the needs or repair problems. (The pistols are incomplete. If I waited to finish them, this might never get posted!)

1. Early Issue Issue Holster, c.1860 - the first issue holsters were form fit to individual model revolvers, with a full, rounded flap and a belt loop to fit a saber belt. This example is for a M1860 Colt revolver, and would not easily accept the Remington or other revolvers.

2. Model 1863 Holster - as the war went on, it became apparent that a standard holster that could accept most of the large frame revolvers being issued was needed. Same basic features as the early model, but with a more generic shape to the body and a "lobed" shape to the flap. This holster was issued throughout the Indian Wars, sometimes "as is" and even modified into other patterns. Some were even modified for the Spanish-American War. It was probably the most common holster in the 1870's, simply because of the huge War-time inventory.

3. Model 1863 Holster with "US" - "US" stamp was added to some existing M1863 holsters starting in 1875. Holsters of this type were still issued with or without the stamp.

The holster was issued to coincide with the trial handguns of 1871, like the S&W Model 3 American, the Remington Rolling Block single shot and the Colt Richards conversion of the 1860 Army to fire metallic cartridges (shown). Some of these holsters were actually shortened, apparently to accommodate the shorter Remington.

5. Model 1875 Holster - In 1874, a new holster was approved with the new cavalry equipments. It featured a new narrow flap that left the pistol grips exposed, and a new Hoffman Swivel that only allowed a 45⁰ arc (which was for some reason NOT reproduced here in detail!). It was soon realized that the new holster would accommodate the Colt Model 1873, but not the Smith & Wesson "Schofield" revolver. This was addressed with an improved pattern in 1875. (It is believed at this time the large oval with "US" was first applied to the holster body, as well as to the flaps of some1863 & 1872 holsters.) The new Hoffman swivel also proved to be not up to the rigors of mounted service, and more pistols were lost. Many of the 1872 and 1874/1875 holsters had their belt loops riveted in place. Incidentally, there also proved to be a problem with the hole in the flap being too large, requiring modification.

6. Model 1878 Holster - In 1878, a method was devised to repair the 1874 holsters flap by rounding it off and adding a closing strap as seen on the Civil War models. This then became the pattern for newly constructed holsters, as well. The "US" was embossed on the flap, and the fixed belt loop remained the size for a saber belt.

7. Model 1881 Holster - 1^st Pattern - This holster was the final design for the large frame revolvers of the 19^th century. It featured a narrow flap with two holes - one to accommodate the M1873 Colt and one for the S&W "Schofield". The fixed belt loop was still wide enough for a saber belt, and "US" was moved back to the body of the holster.

8. Model 1881 Holster - "Forsyth" Modification - Beginning with the issue of metallic cartridges, troops began making cartridge belts to carry them, preferring this method over any cartridge box devised. In 1876, the Army conceded the point and began issuing canvas looped belts. In 1880, the Mills woven looped belts were introduced, but the Army made no effort to make the holster to be worn on the belt. The narrow belt loop remained the norm, and soldiers were instructed not to put anything on the belts issued by the Army. This, too, did not last and soldiers modified belts and holsters to allow attachment to the belt. This is a saddler made modification referred to as the "Forsyth" that was common, and some arsenal-made trial pieces were even issued. This holster had a large scrap of leather riveted on for the loop, and it closed around the body with a spare spur strap. Though not in itself an "issue" pattern, it was one of several seen in the field.

9. Model 1881 Holster - 3^rd Pattern - after the 2^nd Pattern slightly increased the belt loop, the Army once again conceded and made the loop large enough to fit over the woven cartridge belt in1885 - as long as there were no cartridges in the loops. This meant the soldier had to do without 4 or 5 rounds where the holster rode.

It wasn't until 1890 the loop was officially made large enough to fit over a FULL belt. And it was enlarged again in 1896 to fit over the .30 Krag double looped belt. At that time, many old pattern holsters were also modified to fit the new belt, with modification kits being issued in the field. In all, the Model 1881 had 5 different belt loop widths.

I hope this helps clarify what the Army issued to the troops during our period of interest. The holsters in the photos are only temporarily grouped together. They will all find a permanent home on some well-deserving 6^th scale trooper!

Mark