Rare Modified 1918 Revolver Holster

Description

4/30/26- For sale is a rare original Graton & Knight (G&K) 1918-manufactured M1916/1911 “factory custom” holster rig, professionally modified at the factory to accommodate the M1917 .45 ACP revolver. This is not a field alteration—this example shows true wartime factory or arsenal work, including removal of the internal wood M1911 housing block, a precisely cut and factory-etched half-moon butt flap to fit the revolver grip, a lengthened stud closure, and an extended barrel housing sewn to accept the longer profile of the M1917. The leather remains in excellent condition, with matching exterior line engraving on both sides of the modified flap and a clean, finished cutout—clear indicators of intentional factory craftsmanship. The holster is marked G&K 1918 (Graton & Knight Mfg. Co., Worcester, MA) with inspector stamp “A.G.” and features original brass M1910 swivel hook hardware.

Included is an original R.H. Long 1917/1918 three-sleeve “half-moon” ammunition pouch designed to carry six clips for the Colt and Smith & Wesson M1917 revolvers, also reissued in early WWII. Holsters of this type were modified in limited numbers during WWI due to shortages, allowing standard M1911 gear to be adapted for revolver use, making surviving examples like this exceptionally scarce. An outstanding and highly collectible WWI rig in excellent condition.