SOLD - Rare Mills Canvas Model 1911 Holster

Description

7/24/24 - This is a rare Mills canvas model 1911 Holster, patented in 1914 and manufactured by the Mills Equipment Company. These are made of durable canvas with a riveted blued brass cap on the toe which is marked with the Mills bullet logo over "PATENTED JUN. 16; 14,. / JUN. 30; 14. SEPT. 15; 14." The holsters were never adopted by the United States, and were only available via private purchase in the U.S, though they were adopted by the Canadian military. Reportedly Mills and Audley holsters were purchased privately by USMC officers. Fitted with a brass hanger secured by two rivets and brass flap snap and the edges have a double stitched overlay with two reinforcement rivets below the snap peg. This example is in excellent overall condition, correctly marked with the Mills bullet logo over "1914" on the inside flap, though this marking is very faded. There is additional writing on the inside of the flap. which looks to be the name of a lieutenant but is difficult to fully make out. The brass hanger has visibly lightened with age, and has some surface scratching, but markings are crisp and distinctive. Stitching is excellent throughout