Brigadier General Robin Olds

[Major 2]

One of my Hero's

Robin Olds July 14, 1922 – June 14, 2007) was an American fighter pilot and general officer in the United States Air Force (USAF). He was a "triple ace", with a combined total of 17 victories in World War II and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 as a brigadier general, after 30 years of service.

Here seen as a Col. adding a kill star to his F-4C Phantom II "Scat XXVII", during his 1966–1967 combat tour

Note: his side arm & Holster rig.... I collect ventage holsters. here is mine 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Cool photo. That's a mighty nice holster. It pivots at the top so is there any provision on the back for a leg strap to tie it down?

[Major 2]

None I see...

It will join these.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Beautiful collection, Major. There are some fine examples in there. Thanks for that photo.

[Major 2]

The lot has a few duplicates. and a couple of rarities,
But at the price of admission for that lot, I could not pass on it...
and it doubled my existing collection.

[Major 2]

On further examination of photos, I noticed this snap (the holster is presently in shipping to me)

It may have been used in conjunction with leg retention strap.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

That makes sense. One could also have a snap on an article of clothing instead of a strap. It would make it easy to let it hang straight while sitting if desired, as well. Thanks for the additional photo.

[Rube Burrows]

That's pretty neat. I have one of my grandfather's old swivel holsters from his duty belt back in the day.

[Major 2]

Police or Military ?

I have a couple of Police duty, one is left-hand Jay-Pee , circa 60's & 70's
The other a Bauer Brothers 1928 duty holster for the Colt Police Positive.

The Motor Patrolman is Bill Stackhouse of Cincinatti circa 1930-31 wearing the holster.
  I bought both the gun & holster from the Kissimmee Police Chaplin.     

[Major 2]

Cool photo. That's a mighty nice holster. It pivots at the top so is there any provision on the back for a leg strap to tie it down?

On further study note this close-up of the Olds holster it appears he is using a thong tiedown

[Marshal Will Wingam]

On further study note this close-up of the Olds holster it appears he is using a thong tiedown

Good catch. I hadn't noticed that. I wonder if his had the snap on the back.

[Major 2]

Unknown, I do know I've seen a few of contractor's marks on Vietnam Era Military issue so far.

* Bianchi
* Smith & Wesson -circa 1965 shipped with the M15 Combat Masterpiece (Bangor Punta Corp. era)
* Cathey Enterprises
* Safariland
*  J.M. Bucheimer Co.  1965 1967 1968 without snap

[Marshal Will Wingam]

The fact that he used a lanyard for a tie-down would imply there was no strap on his. Of course, maybe the strap with the snap didn't stay attached so he abandoned it for the other.

[Major 2]

The snap was on the S&W Model 41 Holster

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Is it possible that the snap on the back is a place to affix the retention strap when not needed?

[Major 2]

I read the USAF is in its final purge of all its remaining Revolvers.
By extension holsters and accessories are now finding the surplus market.
There have been several on E-bay lately. 
A couple right now ranging in opening bids from deals to steals.
Course as they dry up so will the price go up; the collectors are circling.

However, the Beretta M9 handgun is still used in a limited capacity.
They too will eventually bow out to the modular SIG M17-M18 and MOLLE Holster.

Even though few enlisted members of the Air Force are required to carry a military pistol (even in combat).
That requirement began being phased out in the late 70's.
But during Vietnam, the Combat Masterpiece was the USAF's darling.


 

[Major 2]

Is it possible that the snap on the back is a place to affix the retention strap when not needed?

You nailed it !

[Marshal Will Wingam]

You nailed it !

It seemed to be the right distance down. Thanks.