Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an excellent service-worn example of a full-length 1892 pattern cavalry holster for the Colt .38 caliber revolvers. Both were issued to cavalry units and the 1881 pattern holster was provided with two holes in the flap to allow the angle to be changed to contain either revolver. These holsters were often shortened later for use with the shorter barrel Colts issued to all branches of service, but usually called the “artillery” model. This holster, however, is still full length and the body shows a wonderful, smooth finish with minor crazing and a visible US stamp on the front flap. Additionally, the front flap is very clearly stamped:

A. 10 CAV.Y
No. 91

This identifies the holster as having been issued to a soldier in Troop A, 10th Cavalry Regiment, with “No. 91” being a roster or rack number. The 10th Cavalry was one of the original "Buffalo Soldier" regiments in the post–Civil War Regular Army. It served in combat during the Indian Wars in the western United States, the Spanish–American War in Cuba, Philippine–American War and Mexican Revolution. In particular, the 10th was part of the 1st Brigade under Samuel S. Sumner, which also included the 9th Cavalry and the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry which was commonly known as "Roosevelt's Rough Riders". The 10th Cavalry fought in the Battle of Las Guasimas, the Battle of Tayacoba (where all four members of the last rescue party were awarded the Medal of Honor), the Battle of San Juan Hill and the Siege of Santiago de Cuba.

Troop A was itself part of the 10th Cavalry during the regiment’s 1898 operations in Cuba. Official wartime reports record Troop A casualties during the fighting around Santiago on July 1st, 1898, confirming that the troop represented by this holster was directly engaged in the San Juan Heights campaign.

The back of the holster is stamped on the belt loop:

H.K.
LANZ, OWEN & CO.
CHICAGO

Lanz Owen & Co was contracted by the U.S. government to produce some 3,000 holsters for the U.S. army during the 1890’s, putting this example in the correct timeframe to have been issued to a member of Troop A, 10th Cavalry for use in the Spanish-American War. Additionally, the holster was not altered for the M1896 pistol, making it much more likely to have been issued earlier. H.K. denotes inspection by a U.S. Ordnance inspector.

The front of the holster has some scratches and scuffs, and the body is now a bit stiff. The flap still fits over the knob and the knob is still tight. The rivets all have a degree of verdigris.

The outstanding feature of this piece is its direct connection to one of the most important African American regiments in U.S. Army history. It very well may have been worn by a member of the 10th Cavalry on San Juan Hill. It will fit well as a centerpiece in any collection focused around the Spanish-American War, Buffalo Soldiers, African American service in the U.S. Army, or late 19th century U.S. Army sidearms and accoutrements.