Original Item: Only One Available. This is a gorgeous mint-condition WWII issue M3 leather shoulder holster for the Colt M1911 .45 pistol. Adopted in 1942, this holster was standard issue for aircraft and tank crews, and was often used by officers who preferred it to the hip holster. In combat areas, all sorts of troops found ways to "acquire" handguns and the regulations as to who was and wasn't permitted to carry them were rarely enforced.

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

U.S.
ENGER-KRESS

 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 still retains its natural color and displays beautifully. The snaps and rivets have small amounts of verdigris.

Leather is still soft and pliable, though there is definitely wear and some very minor dry rot on the leather. This is especially noticeable on the shoulder strap, which has a lot of surface cracking as well.

This is a great mint unissued example of a rare WWII holster for the 1911 Colt pistol. Ready for further research and display.