1387A RARE M1900 LUGER PISTOL HOLSTER BY ROCK ISLAND

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,000.00 USD
Estimated at 4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
ARSENAL WITH COMPLETE BELT RIG & CARTRIDGES. In 1901, the US Army Ordnance Department purchased 1,000 Luger pistols from Deutche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) for field trials. A corresponding 1,000 holsters, like the one offered here, were ordered from Rock Island Arsenal for use with the pistols. The Luger pistols were sent to the Philippines, Cuba, domestic cavalry units, West Point, the Presidio, Fort Hamilton, and Fort Riley. The Rock Island holsters accompanied the Luger pistols into the field. The holster is carried on a 1902 russet brown pistol belt rig consisting of a 12-hole pistol box, a belt with an M1872 rectangular “US” in oval buckle, and a sword hanger with belt clip. All of these accoutrements are included with this rare holster. The holster itself measures nearly 11” in length and 6 3/4" in width at the top. The brown russet leather is embossed with a “US” in an oval on the front and stamped with an “HD” inspector’s mark at the base of the flap. The reverse of the holster has two brass rivets at the base of the belt loop, with a third rivet about in the center, added for stability when worn on the belt. The reverse of the flap is marked “ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL E.H.S.” Inside the holster is an old manila tag with an ink stamp that reads “OFFICE OF CHIEF OF ORDNANCE WAR DEPARTMENT JAN 27 1902 23377” with a pencil inscription that reads “Sold to Col Maus”. Typed identification on the tag reads “Model of Luger pistol holster made at Rock Island Arsenal, from C.O., Rock Island Arsl. Jan. 24, 1902.” An interesting addition to this exceptional rig is an original box of 7.65mm ammunition with a label that reads “50 Patronen No. 471 zur Selbstlade-Pistole Kal. 7, 65 mm Parabellum 0,35 g Pulver Rundspitzengeschosse”. CONDITION: the holster, as well as the accompanying belt rig, show light wear with only the most minor usage scuffs and scrapes. The ammunition box is wrapped in plastic and appears to be unopened. PROVENANCE: The Collection of Edward Scott Meadows. (02-22159/BF). $4,000-6,000.