Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very rare totally original M1916 holster, made by Boyt Harness Co. of Des Moines, Iowa, in excellent condition. It shows very little sign of being used, with just a bit of wear on the interior. It is marked BOYT 44 on the back, and embossed U S in an oval on the flap, indicating that this was a military issue holster. No visible date can be found.

The leather body of the holster is a lovely honey brown, while the belt loop / clip holder has just a bit of age staining from the clip. There is some cracking at the top of the lid, probably due to pressure from storage. All stitches still intact, all brass parts still present with a bit of verdigris, and a steel WWII style belt clip. The leather is still supple as well, and the leg tie down is still intact! Just perfect for a high grade WWII issue 1911 .45 pistol!

The Boyt Harness Company was originally founded by Walter Boyt in 1901 as the Walter Boyt Saddlery Company. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, the company began 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. This included a military pistol holster for the then-new Colt 1911 .45 pistol, along with cavalry saddle bags and harnesses for artillery and transport horses.

After the war ended, Walter Boyt sold the company to his brother John and John’s three sons, Joseph Walter, Arthur John and Paul Alfred Boyt. They changed to name to The Boyt Harness Company and the next generation of Boyt brothers continued the tradition of making durable harnesses, saddles, bridles and tack for farmers and stockmen around the Midwest. 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.