Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.

[Major 2]

Is a quest to have the associated gun holster.

Another thread prompted me to post a side bar to collecting holsters for the guns themselves.
In my case, vintage Milsurps & Duty holsters.
Some were accompanied with the guns I acquired themselves.
Others were unobtanium or at least a price I could justify.

One such, is my WW1 French accepted Ruby, The gun itself was acquired as a forlorn mudpuppy.
Or so I though, rattle can paint hide the 80% original finish and French acceptance * star.
Once the gun was cleaned of the offending coating (which I believe preserved the finish) 
It shoots very well, but the intention was to display it in a WW 1 exhibit.

Original holsters tend to be EXPENCIVE and/or rough.

My only real option was to make a replica. and another for my Austrian Steyr which was sewn for me by John Saffern when I had Carpal tunnel.  thanks John. 

[Major 2]

These are original to and with the guns.

[Major 2]

a couple more
Circa mid 1950's Duty with my S&W 1946 Military & Police..

I had London Jack make the Mauser Holster, I mentioned him before, he is TOP quality.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

This is quite a collection, Major. Thanks for posting this thread with them all together. They're beautiful examples of the guns and the holsters that accompanied them. It's totally fascinating to see such a fine collection. What's next on your list to add? My all time favorite WW2 pistol is the 1911 followed closely by the Finish Lahti but chances of finding one of those at a reasonable price is slim to none.

[Major 2]

Thank you... glad you liked the thread
Next ? I'm not sure... when the planets align 

I keep a watch out for something at my friends LGS
I peruse eBay, on occasion a holster is up for auction.

[Rube Burrows]

Very nice collection and nice holsters.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Love that M1917. One of the few times one can use the word 'clips' and be correct.

[Major 2]

Still looking to get a original holster for the 1917, Will
That one is from "Man The Line" or maybe "World War Supply"  and I destressed it a bit.

The Webley and it's original

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks, Major. Are the 3-round clips original equipment during WW2 or did they issue 6-round ones?

That Webley is pretty cool, too.

[Major 2]

I believe the 3 round 1/2 moon clips were use in both WW 1 & WW 2.
They were designed and patented by Smith & Wesson
The U.S. War Department used them in both Smith & Wesson and Colt 1917's.
Naomi Alan, an engineer employed by Smith & Wesson, developed a 6-round full-moon clip.
But in combat the 6 rounder was disliked, to my knowledge it was the 1/2 moon that was supplied.

The 18 round boxes & label in my 1st photo are my own fabrication, I believe the government packaging was the 24 round pack or the 18 round Web pouch.

[Rube Burrows]

I believe the 3 round 1/2 moon clips were use in both WW 1 & WW 2.
They were designed and patented by Smith & Wesson
The U.S. War Department used them in both Smith & Wesson and Colt 1917's.
Naomi Alan, an engineer employed by Smith & Wesson, developed a 6-round full-moon clip.
But in combat the 6 rounder was disliked, to my knowledge it was the 1/2 moon that was supplied.

The 18 round boxes & label in my 1st photo are my own fabrication, I believe the government packaging was the 24 round pack or the 18 round Web pouch.

Very nice.

[Major 2]

Ebay asking prices range from downright bargains to pipedream stratospheric for original holsters.
The relic & gun show finds are always priced high and going higher. 

I was fortunate to find an occasional piece like this Commando holster from 1944 online... 
Though in some cases, I have settled for a replica or will make one if no replica is made or available.

In searching for a holster for the 1916 Ruby, eBay pricing was/is $240 -260, and outside the budget.
I opted to handmake a copy for the Museum display.

The Commando also fits nicely in the 50's ventage duty Jay Pee Holster.

[Coffinmaker]

Major 2 

Way Way Way KOOL!!  I in no way collect (how did I wind up with so many guns??) but I feel acquiring the appropriate (Period) leather is every bit as important as the guns themselves.  Oft, all we see are grainy, out of focus and OLD photographs of the leather of the time.  Your collection of originals and copies where necessary is just UBER KOOL 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I believe the 3 round 1/2 moon clips were use in both WW 1 & WW 2.
They were designed and patented by Smith & Wesson
The U.S. War Department used them in both Smith & Wesson and Colt 1917's.
Naomi Alan, an engineer employed by Smith & Wesson, developed a 6-round full-moon clip.
But in combat the 6 rounder was disliked, to my knowledge it was the 1/2 moon that was supplied.

The 18 round boxes & label in my 1st photo are my own fabrication, I believe the government packaging was the 24 round pack or the 18 round Web pouch.

Thank you. I thought that was the case but didn't know for sure. You did a bang-up job on those 18 round boxes.

Your collection is more complete than any I've seen for leather to go with the pistols.

[Major 2]

I'm humbled by your replies, thank you.
  I'm gratified to be the custodian of these.
Some have provenance in the form of original WW 2 Bring back papers or Colt Letter.
The 1917 has a letter from Mr. Jenks, S&W Historian.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I'm humbled by your replies, thank you.
  I'm gratified to be the custodian of these.
Some have provenance in the form of original WW 2 Bring back papers or Colt Letter.
The 1917 has a letter from Mr. Jenks, S&W Historian.

It's nice to know you have this provenance for some of them.

[DeaconKC]

The half moon clips were chosen as it is easier to pack them preloaded than the full moon clips. Look at the box, how they packed them.

[Major 2]

A couple more

[Marshal Will Wingam]

More cool stuff. Thanks for the photos.

[Baltimore Ed]

Nice collection Major.