Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a very nice assembled U.S. WWI M1910 pistol belt rig, consisting of an original Mills-manufactured M1910 pistol belt, a 1917-dated M1916 leather holster by Perkins Campbell, and a matching October 1917-dated Mills M1911 double magazine pouch. This configuration is closely associated with American officers, non-commissioned officers, and other military personnel authorized to carry the M1911 .45 caliber automatic pistol during the First World War. All three components are original period pieces, with the holster and magazine pouch retaining their identifiable 1917 manufacturer and inspection markings. The belt remains in good condition, while the holster exhibits more substantial age and service wear, including stiffness and surface staining. Together, these pieces form an interesting example of the personal equipment carried by American soldiers during WWI.

With the U.S. entry into World War I, the Model 1910 equipment experiences some distinctive changes. The color of the equipment went from olive drab to drab (khaki) to accommodate commercial manufacturers who had difficulty matching the olive drab dye, but even the drab color soon weathered to an off white. The eagle snaps gave way to lift-the-dot fasteners on both the cartridge belt and the canteen cover, and manufacturing techniques were somewhat simplified.

The Set Consists of the Following Original Items:

- M1910 Pistol Belt: The belt is marked on the brass end pieces for Mills Woven Cartridge Belt Co. The Belt is in good condition, with the webbing not exhibiting any signs of dry rot, tears, or unsightly damage. The brass hardware still retains some of its original blacking, but are dented. 

- M1916 Holster: The holster is in good shape, with light staining and stiffness, and retains its original russet leather color, having never had oil applied which would darken the leather. There is heavy wear and stiffness to the leather. It is stamped on the back PERKINS CAMPBELL / 1917 / R.J.M..

- M1911 Double Magazine Pouch dated October 1917 by MILLS: Free of damage and looks to have seen very little use in service.

This U.S. WWI M1910 pistol belt rig provides an informative example of the personal equipment carried by American officers, non-commissioned officers, and other pistol-armed personnel during the First World War. The original Mills-marked belt, 1917-dated Perkins Campbell M1916 holster, and October 1917 Mills double magazine pouch preserve important examples of American wartime manufacturing and equipment design. While the belt hardware exhibits denting and the holster shows considerable stiffness and wear, the webbing remains sound and the magazine pouch is particularly well preserved. As an assembled group of original WWI components, the rig is a representative example of the equipment associated with the U.S. M1911 automatic pistol and the American Expeditionary Forces.