Original Item: Only One Available. This is a scarce original pre-WWI U.S. Army russet leather cavalry holster for the .38 caliber double action service revolvers then in use, including the Colt Model 1892 series and Smith & Wesson Model 1902. Its general form resembles a smaller version of the later Model 1909 holster made for the larger frame .45 caliber Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers.

The holster remains in good overall condition, with the leather still relatively soft and flexible. Its original russet finish has darkened and worn from age, handling, service use, and exposure to oil. The body retains its form, although the edges display heavy wear and several period carved or cut marks.

The lower tie down ring remains present with a portion of the original leather leg thong still attached. The thong is heavily worn and incomplete. The stitching and principal components remain intact.

The front flap bears a worn but still visible U.S. marking within an oval, confirming government ownership. The flap is additionally stamped:

E 13
68

This appears to be a unit and equipment marking, possibly indicating Troop E of the 13th Cavalry and equipment number 68. However, the precise interpretation cannot be confirmed from the marking alone.

The reverse is marked:

ROCK ISLAND
ARSENAL
1910
T.C.C.

These markings identify manufacture at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois during 1910. The initials T.C.C. are generally associated with arsenal inspector Thomas C. Carroll, whose inspection mark appears on other Rock Island Arsenal leather equipment from this period.

Although the holster’s orientation can initially appear reversed, it represents the correct cavalry configuration. It was worn on the right side of the waist with the revolver positioned butt forward. This allowed a mounted soldier to draw the revolver with his left hand while keeping his right hand available for wielding a saber. This configuration is commonly known as the cavalry draw.

This is an especially desirable example due to its clear 1910 Rock Island Arsenal marking, visible inspector initials, military U.S. property stamp, and early unit marking. The worn finish, partial leg thong, edge damage, and oil darkening give it the honest appearance of a holster that saw considerable mounted service before WWI.