Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a very good assembled U.S. Vietnam War era pistol belt rig centered on an M1956 Load Carrying Equipment belt. The set includes a black leather M1916 holster for the M1911 pistol, a 1945 dated first aid packet pouch, and a 1969 contract dated M1911 pistol magazine pouch. The components remain in attractive, lightly service worn condition.

The M1956 Load Carrying Equipment system, commonly abbreviated LCE, was developed by the U.S. Army to replace several earlier patterns of cartridge belts, pistol belts, magazine belts, and combat packs. Its individual components could be attached, removed, and repositioned without specialized tools, allowing the equipment to be configured for different weapons and mission requirements.

The M1956 system became standard during the early 1960s and saw extensive service throughout the Vietnam War. It was eventually supplemented by the lightweight M1967 equipment and replaced by the ALICE system during the 1970s, although individual M1956 components continued to be used for many years afterward.

The included components are as follows:

M1956 Load Carrying Equipment Belt: The belt forms the basis of the rig and remains in very good, lightly worn condition. Its adjustable construction allowed equipment to be positioned according to the wearer’s duties and personal preference.

Black Leather M1916 Holster: The correct designation for this component is the M1916 holster, designed to carry the M1911 and M1911A1 .45 caliber pistols. It remains in excellent condition and retains a clearly embossed U.S. within an oval on the flap. The reverse is maker marked:

BOLEN LEA. PRODUCTS.

The black leather finish is characteristic of U.S. military equipment used during the Vietnam War era.

1945 Dated First Aid Packet Pouch: Although assembled with the later M1956 equipment, this is an earlier WWII production first aid packet pouch. It remains in wonderful condition and retains a legible U.S. marking on the front. The reverse is marked for Nirvana Manufacturing Corp. with a 1945 date. The presence of this earlier pouch is consistent with the continued use of serviceable WWII equipment during the postwar period.

M1911 Pistol Magazine Pouch: This pouch was designed to carry magazines for the M1911 or M1911A1 pistol. It remains in very good service used condition, with some verdigris visible around the metal fittings but no extensive deterioration. Manufacturer and contract information remain present on the reverse, including a 1969 contract date.

A very attractive Vietnam War era pistol belt rig combining the M1956 equipment system with a black leather M1916 holster, WWII production first aid pouch, and Vietnam era M1911 magazine pouch. The mixture of dated components illustrates the U.S. military practice of continuing to issue older serviceable equipment alongside newer patterns.