Holster help

[thefurball]

Not sure if this belongs here or in the C&R forum.

My father had this holster for as long as I can remember. I recall him telling me it was military issue.

The only markings are 'US' on the front and 'FINK' on the back. It does not fit a 1911. There are no date markings.

I searched and only found one similar on Gunbroker, but there was no indication as to which gun it was issued for.

Any ideas?

[BigDogatPlay]

It looks very much like a standard M1916 pattern holster. Interesting that that it doesn't fit a 1911 pattern pistol. Have you tried it, by chance, with a revolver such as a large frame S&W? What research I have done indicates a different pattern was used for revolvers.

Could it be that the holster is shrunk up a bit and is just tight? Or is the 1911 just a straight no go?

[thefurball]

It looks very much like a standard M1916 pattern holster. Interesting that that it doesn't fit a 1911 pattern pistol. Have you tried it, by chance, with a revolver such as a large frame S&W? What research I have done indicates a different pattern was used for revolvers.

Could it be that the holster is shrunk up a bit and is just tight? Or is the 1911 just a straight no go?

It may have shrunk a bit, but it is a tight fit at best with a 1911, plus there are two extra inches of holster at the bottom.

I will try a wheel gun when I get into the vault later today.

Thanks for the input!

[BillCA]

Yup... that's an M-1916 hip holster for the 1911 alright. Had one very similar to that, made by Boyt, many years ago before my Doberman developed a taste for leather.

Treat it nicely -- there's collector value here.

Try leaving it in the sun for a couple of hours and then check the fit with a standard Government Model green verdigris around the brass parts can degrade the leather and metal parts over time. Since it is a reaction between the copper and the tannic acid in the leather it's almost impossible to prevent it entirely. Use something like a toothpick to lift it off the leather, as it will rub into the leather and is really hard to remove then. I'm told Pecards Leather Dressing seems to soften it a bit to help remove it.

The Fink brand is one of the more scarce brands along with Atchison Leather Products Co. & GP&S.