Odd Holster

Bob A · Oct 10, 2017

This holster came with the Hopkins & Allen. It's unlike any I've seen, and I suspect it's worth more than the pistol. Any info regarding its origin or value would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Doctor_M · Oct 10, 2017

I can't offer any insight into its origins, but that is an interesting piece of history right there. I suspect you are correct about its relative value. I'll be standing by in case someone else can shed some light on it. Pretty cool.

MilsurpDan · Oct 10, 2017

Looks like the same holster I have for my Italian M1889 Bodeo revolver. If I remember right they’re worth $150+/-. There’s several variations

Bob A · Oct 10, 2017

Thanks, Dan - can you refer me to a source of further info?

MilsurpDan · Oct 10, 2017

Bob A said:
Thanks, Dan - can you refer me to a source of further info?

I forget which site I found most of my information on but I remember seeing a now expired gunbroker link where one sold for around $150 if I remember right.

Here’s a link on Gunboards with a similar looking holster. There’s some other pictures on Google too.

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthr...923-Dated-with-matte-black-finish-and-Holster

Mine is slightly different. It doesn’t have the strap on it like yours does and mine is a dark brown colored leather.

Biggfoot44 · Oct 10, 2017

Unless I'm missing somthing on my phone screen, I'm not seeing any markings . This general style of holster was common for 50 plus years .

If it were US , Brit, or Canadian issue , or common usage by US LE , someone here would have recognized it .

The use buckles for the belt attachments , is medimum reliable suggestion of being designed for millitary or paramillitary use .

Or 100yr ago , a US owner could have told his local saddle & harness shop to "make me one like this " .

mawkie · Oct 10, 2017

Agree with Milsurp Dan, that has the color and hallmarks of a WW2 era Italian holster. And def for a revolver, not an auto pistol.

Bob A · Oct 10, 2017

Biggfoot44 said:
Unless I'm missing somthing on my phone screen, I'm not seeing any markings . This general style of holster was common for 50 plus years .

If it were US , Brit, or Canadian issue , or common usage by US LE , someone here would have recognized it .

The use buckles for the belt attachments , is medimum reliable suggestion of being designed for millitary or paramillitary use .

Or 100yr ago , a US owner could have told his local saddle & harness shop to "make me one like this " .

You're right, no markings. The grey color is also not something I've seen. According to my informant, the gun was probably bought nearly a century ago. Probably the owner got a surplus holster from the usual sources. I doubt anyone has messed with either the gun or the holster since the WWII era.

Bob A · Oct 10, 2017

mawkie said:
Agree with Milsurp Dan, that has the color and hallmarks of a WW2 era Italian holster. And def for a revolver, not an auto pistol.

Right, def a revolver; thanks for confirmation of origin. Question: what sort of revolver might have been carried by Italian military?

Blacksmith101 · Oct 10, 2017

Biggfoot44 said:
Unless I'm missing somthing on my phone screen, I'm not seeing any markings . This general style of holster was common for 50 plus years .

If it were US , Brit, or Canadian issue , or common usage by US LE , someone here would have recognized it .

The use buckles for the belt attachments , is medimum reliable suggestion of being designed for millitary or paramillitary use .

Or 100yr ago , a US owner could have told his local saddle & harness shop to "make me one like this " .

You still can. Bartville Harness Shop (Amish no Sunday Sales) makes similar leather holsters for fox hunters (on horseback).
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bartville-Harness-Shop/103873516369814

somd_mustangs · Oct 10, 2017

The grey-green color is also indicative of an Italian holster. At least for the Beretta 1934/35

as Dan mentioned, Bodeo :
https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=684

mawkie · Oct 10, 2017

While the Beretta 1934/35 green holsters are common and pretty affordable this variation is one I haven't noticed before. Did a quick net search and had no problem finding some prices from previous sales. Figure value to be around $125-150. So you did great!

Bob A · Oct 10, 2017

Found it! For some reason I can't link to the photo, but it's described as an Italian 1889 bodeo-revolver holster on google images.

Biggfoot44 · Oct 10, 2017

You certainly can still have your local harness maker, make you a holster from scratch. Its just not a routine thing like it was pre WWI.

MilsurpDan · Oct 10, 2017

Here’s the thread with my Bodeo and the holster. The holster came out of Switzerland hence the Swiss shooting club sticker. Unfortunately I didn’t post a picture of the holster closed but it’s the same basic set-up. I can’t find any markings on mine either.

https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=194406

somd_mustangs · Oct 10, 2017

Bob A said:
Found it! For some reason I can't link to the photo, but it's described as an Italian 1889 bodeo-revolver holster on google images.

Well, that settles it, now you have to find the revolver to fill the holster...

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