Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice Korean War M3 leather shoulder holster for the Smith & Wesson .38cal. Hand Ejector Model of 1899 with a 4 inch barrel, better known as the "Victory Model." Adopted during WWII, this holster was a scaled down version of the M3 Tanker holster for the .45 M1911 pistol, and was very useful for keeping the weapon out of the way as well as easily accessible, especially when used in an aircraft.

Original M3's were made in plain, "natural" leather, as they age they can darken through exposure to oil, dirt, and sweat that turns holsters a russet brown color. This example is in great shape and likely didn’t see much use. There is verdigris visible on all the rivets and snaps, giving it a great aged look.

The holster is embossed on the front U.S. in an oval, meaning it was military issue (not civilian) and it is nicely stamped on the reverse:

BOYT
DES MOINES, IOWA
MRI-6-53

The last line is only an ink stamp, and denotes a manufacture date of June 1953.

Comes ready for further research and display!

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.