.

 

Holster Info

DAcop: Yes, Bucheimer made M1916 holsters for the US armed forces during the 1960s. I disagree with Scott Gahimer's post. The FSN for this black holster is not 7791466. The FSN is actually 1095-592-6491. The 7791466 refers to the drawing number for this holster. HTH.

Charlie Flick

 

.

 

U.s. Holster, Dismounted M-1916 For Pistol, Acp .45 Cal M-1911/1911a1

You are correct about the number on the back of the holster being the drawing no vs the FSN or NSN. Does anyone know when the new batch of M-1916/M-1 holsters were made my Bucheimer? I think the last of the WW II / Korean War stocks were being depleted in early 1970's during Vietnam war. I noticed the newer holsters had only one rivet vs two rivets on the front panel; the leather was all black inside and out; the oval around the "U.S." was less oval and more in the shape of a Butterfinger cookie; the leather was thinner and the brass accueterments (fastener and belt hooks) were all black - at least all of the ones I saw were that way. Does anyone know if Bucheimer still exists, and if so, any POC info? Does anyone know exactly when this holster was introduced into the system? Does anyone know any other manufacturers other than Bucheimer that made the later contract variants (didn't Cathey Enterprises make some)? Does anyone know which manufacturers today making reproductions makes the best replica? Will the person who posted that info contact me via email; have some more questions.

 

FWIW, i have a 1950 dated M7 that looks to have been dyed black from a russet brown.

 

Does anyone know any other manufacturers other than Bucheimer that made the later contract variants (didn't Cathey Enterprises make some)? Does anyone know which manufacturers today making reproductions makes the best replica? Will the person who posted that info contact me via email; have some more questions.

Hill Country Leather, Inc. (founded by Lila Cathey), established in January of 1999 following the retirement of George Cathey, (the founder of Cathey Enterprises, Inc.) still produces military holsters. Hill Country Leather, Inc. has completed some ten government contracts in the two and one half years of operation, and remains active in producing products for the government, as well as commercially. Adirondack Leather of Cooperstown, NY still makes the military shoulder holsters (HOLSTER, PISTOL,SHOULDER, M7 (BLACK)).

 

. . . The 7791466 refers to the drawing number for this holster. HTH.
Charlie Flick

I'm ignorant when it comes to drawing numbers on holsters. My Bucheimer holster has the number 7791527 stamped below the circled Bucheimer. I'm guessing it is different than DAcop's because it is a shoulder holster? Can this be dated (60's, 70's, 80's)?

 

That is indeed the ref./drawing # (7701527) for the shoulder holster (HOLSTER, PISTOL, SHOULDER, M7 (BLACK)). The M7 shoulder holster dates back to the WW II, in 1957 the color was changed from brown to black, and is still being manufactured for the military under contract (Adirondack Leather). The M9's fit in the holster as good as the 1911/1911A1s did/do, and brown holsters have reappeared for Desert use.

 

I have a 1911 holster (black) that was made by Cathey Enterprises, and was labeled as such. I bought it new in the plastic at a gun show several years ago, and it had a piece of paper inside the plastic package that indicated it's year of manufacture as 1988. It does have one less rivet than the WWII holsters, and the leather is not nearly as heavy as the WWII era holsters.

 

Since we are talking holsters here - can anyone help me with a value or originality/etc on my rig.....on the back it says

"WARREN L."
"GOODS CO."
"1918"

"J.A.O."


It has two rivets that hold the shank to the holster. It's a dark dark almost black brown, but in very usable condition....


does this sound like an authentic piece? I know squat about these old rigs....

 

Inspector Callahan, (or should I call you Dirty Harry?) Your holster is a legitimate USGI M1916 holster for the M1911 pistol. It was manufactured by the
Warren Leather Goods Co. in 1918. JAO were the initials of the inspector. Values are difficult to assess without pics or eyeball examination, but in the condition you describe I would estimate the value of yours to be in the $35-50 range assuming that it is complete and unmonkeyed with. Darker leather as you describe tends to be oilsoaked and is disfavored by most holster collectors. Hope this helps you.

Charlie

 

Charlie - thanks much for the info. I picked it up in a trade a few years ago to help complete my accessories pile of WWI and WWII stuff. I don't plan on selling it as I've got a Colt made in 1919 to go with it. I've got the old bayonet, canteen, belt and various rifle ammo carriers - I just need a good pistol mag pouch and an original mag for it - the one with the pistol is old, but not correct.

thanks again - shaun