{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-us-navy-pilot-38-victory-revolver-m3-shoulder-holster-by-boyt-harness-with-rigger-added-cartridge-loops-dated-1943","title":"Original U.S. WWII US Navy Pilot .38 Victory Revolver M3 Shoulder Holster by Boyt Harness with Rigger-Added Cartridge Loops - Dated 1943","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a nice WWII M3 leather shoulder holster for the Smith \u0026amp; Wesson .38cal. Hand Ejector Model of 1899 with a 4 inch barrel, better known as the \"Victory Model.\" Adopted during WWII, this holster was a scaled down version of the M3 Tanker holster for the .45 M1911 pistol, and was very useful for keeping the weapon out of the way as well as easily accessible, especially when used in an aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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 heavily service-worn and has aged to a dark brown. There is verdigris visible on all the rivets and snaps, giving it a great aged look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe holster is embossed on the front \u003cstrong\u003eU.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e in an oval, meaning it was military issue (not civilian) and it is nicely stamped on the reverse:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOYT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e43\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example has fantastic rigger-added cartridge loops, marked on the reverse with the pilot’s initials, \u003cstrong\u003eE.W.D.\u003c\/strong\u003e. A fantastic rigger-modified set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes ready for further research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Boyt Harness Company was founded in 1901, in Des Moines, Iowa, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoyt 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. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43536522248261,"sku":"ONJR25AUCC098","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25AUCC098__01.jpg?v=1757092008","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-us-navy-pilot-38-victory-revolver-m3-shoulder-holster-by-boyt-harness-with-rigger-added-cartridge-loops-dated-1943","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}