Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII service-worn 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.

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 is service-worn and is a bit darkened from its issue color.

The 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 leather crazing as well. There is also a heavy amount of verdigris on the metal fittings and snaps, giving the holster a great patina.

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

This is a gorgeous service-worn M3 “Tanker” holster in great shape, ready for further research and display. This would be a very nice genuine WWII issue upgrade for your Colt 1911.