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 darken through exposure to oil, dirt, and sweat that turns holsters a russet brown color. It is embossed on the front U.S. meaning it was military issues (not civilian) and is nicely stamped on the reverse:

It has also been personalized to the soldier who used it during WWII. Etched into the leather is J.L. STITT 33737041. John L. Stitt of Washington, D.C. was born in 1924, and enlisted March 11 1943. We were not able to find any further information, but there is definitely research potential.

The leather of the holster is in good condition, though is dry. The shoulder strap and adjustment buckle are in great shape, and the lift the dot snap is also functional. The belt loop snap unfortunately broke, sometime ago it seems, and the leather was cut to allow a tie strap to be inserted. Otherwise, it is great holster and collector's item.