The 1881 pattern cavalry holsters were designed to fit both the .45 caliber Colt single action army revolver with a 7 ½ inch barrel and the Schofield Smith and Wesson simply by providing two different holes on the flap to alter its angle when fastened to the brass stud. These holsters remained in use until after the turn of the century and were modified in various ways during the period. Changes in the configuration of the soldier’s waist belt caused a number of these modifications as the army went from saber belts or separate pistol belts to web cartridge belts that might not only be wider but also thicker when filled with cartridges. A number of different types are therefore recognized by collectors. This is a very nice example of an 1881 holster altered in 1896. Cavalrymen retained their single action .45 caliber revolvers, but were being rearmed with .30 caliber Krag carbines and double loop web cartridge belts for its ammunition were being issued. Older belt loops on the holsters, however, were too narrow for the belts when filled. The solution in 1896 was to have new, larger belt loops made, shipped to army posts and have saddlers replace the old loops following army instructions. This one has one of the loops provided by Lanz Owen & Co. of Chicago and is so marked on the back of the loop. One characteristic of this modification was to use an additional three rivets at the base of the loop instead of redoing the stitching. Our example shows the correct six rivets of this pattern.

The holster has excellent black finish, with only minor bumps and scratches, and no substantial finish loss. The only chipping to the finish is on the edges of the belt loop, which is the normal place of contact and wear. The seams are tight and the toe plug is in place. The holster retains its original 1881 length and has not been modified for the shorter “artillery” single action. It is a very good example of the regulation cavalry holster as it was used at late Indian War western posts. [sr]

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