Holster for SW M&P vistory Model?

[TomZ]

All:

I am trying to find a WWII era holster for a Smith&Wesson Model 10 Victory Model pistol (.38 S&W) that I have recevied from my great-uncle. It has a 5" barrel.

I beleive this type of pistol was used by the US Navy in WWII as well as was "lend leased" to the Brits. I would love to find an original US holser.

Any pointers?

Any collectors out there has a holster that they could send me a picture of ?

I am planning on reloading for this pistol and shooting it in local "mil-surp" matches.

Tom

 

[mtallman]

WWII era would be brown leather. I believe they made shoulder and hip holsters for the victories, although the hip ones may only be for the 4 " barrel.

I don't know where you'd find an original, or if they are common, but I do know that IMA carries a repro hip holster
http://www.ima-usa.com/product_info.php/cPath/16_25/products_id/691

 

[GrantR]

Tom:

If you are in Canada, are you sure that the revolver isn't actually Canadian issue?

The .38 Smith & Wesson "Military & Police" revolver (of which the "Victory" was a wartime version) was actually Canada's primary official handgun during WWII (we acquired over 118,000 of them) ranging from early ones in "commercial" finish (high polish, blued, checkered wood grips) all the way to the plain "Victory-model" finish (matte blackened or parkerized metal finish and plain, smooth wood grips.)

This is one of the early versions C-broadarrow marked:

Anyway, if the revolver is Canadian, or you otherwise might prefer a British/Canadian Pistol Case (the correct Brtish/Commonwealth terminology for "holster"), then you need something like this ...

First, the standard (i.e. most common) Pattern 1937 Web Equipment Pistol Case -

If you'd like something really "spiffy" - though they are fairly rare and expensive - there is also the "R.A.C." (Royal Armoured Corps) pistol case - sometimes referred to as the "Tanker Holster" - which hung low from the waistbelt, strapped to the thigh -

There was a later, much simpler version of the "Tanker Holster" -

All of these patterns of P'37 web pistol cases, often in unissued condition, show up on eBay quite frequently .... not aware of any reproductions being made, at least not of the standard flapped pistol case, probably because originals are so common


On the other hand, if you are sure that the revolver is American-issue, or if it is a US-pattern holster you have your heart set on, reproductions are available -

Belt Holsters -

Shoulder holster -

The top two are available from IMA ("International Military Antiques") for a US$24.95 (http://www.ima-usa.com/index.php/cPath/16_25 and the shoulder holster is from "What Price Glory" at US$60.00 (http://whatpriceglory.com/uswpn.htm

I assume original US holster would also show up on eBay ... though I don't "browse" the US militaria ...

 

[Claven2]

Actually, the original US shoulder holster as GrantR depicted is also supposed to have a webbing sleeve on the shoulder strap with loops to hold 2 cylinders worth of cartridges.

I;ve got the rig right in front of me (an original), but it's not for sale

 

[TomZ]

Guys:

Excellent info!
Claven: I would LOVE to see a pic of that sholder holster!

This revolver was has the following markings:

US Property GHD (on topstrap)
V7398xx (on butt of grip)
70953 (on frame underbarrel)

NP 38 S.&W. CTG (right side of barrel)
SMITH & WESSON (left side of barrel)
patent info on top of barrel

Here is a pic:

I obtained this pistol several years ago from my great uncle. He was a career soldier who was a firearms instructor at Camp Borden in the late 50's. He bought this pistol used from International Firearms Co. Ltd in Montreal via mailorder (I have the original invoce and regisration slip) so he could practice his pistol skills.

I am hoping to re-load and shoot this pistol and wold love to obtain a case/holster that is as authentic as possible.

TomZ