Original M1916 US Army Air Service Sheffer & Rossum Holster dated 1917 and owned by
This is a true rarity. This remarkable M1916 holster is a WW1
era US military holster in very good condition and with the name of its owner,
Lt John A. Collins, a member of the Air Service, written in ink on the back.
The Air Service was the aviation branch of the US War
Department from 1918 to 1926. It was assigned to the US Army and was the
forerunner of the US Air Force. The Air Service became the Army Air Corps in
1926. This holster was part of the estate of an individual I knew well, but I
do not know how he acquired it or even if he realized its rarity compared to
more common WW2 era M1916 holsters. Written on the back of the holster in ink
is “Lt. John A Collins, Air Service, USA”. The photo of the signature is a bit
bright to enhance the visibility of the image. I attempted to do a bit of
research on Lt. Collins. There are several references to him in old
newsletters. A 1924 Air Service News Letter (Vol VIII, No. 21) refers to
Collins in an article about an US east coast night flight with a rather risky
landing. In the 1932 Air Corps News (Volume XVI, No, 12) is a report that lists
past winners of an Annual Machine Gun & Bombing Match, and notes that in
1924 2nd Lt Collins was the pilot who won the bombing match. It is
likely that additional research would turn up more information on Lt. Collins.
There are a number of stamps and marks on the holster aside
from the signature. The holster itself is stamped S. & R. CO., 1917, L.N.O.
S&R is Sheffer & Rossum of St. Paul, Minnesota (not Sears Roebuck,
which also made military holsters, and not S-B CO. [Straus-Bodenheimer Saddlery
Co] which was a WWII era holster manufacturer. S&R only made WWI era
holsters). Sheffer & Rossum holsters are relatively rare. 1917 is the production
date and LMO is an inspectors stamp.
Stamped on the belt slide is AS (possibly Air Service, but
also perhaps an inspectors stamp) and an oval with the imprint Q.M.C. Jeff.
19?? HMK indicating that it came through the Jeffersonville Quartermaster Corp Depot
in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The date on the oval slide stamp is too faint to
make out. From my readings this is the type of slide that would be used with a
M1921 style belt. Inside the holster is boldly inked SUPCO 31G QMC 173. QMC is
again Quartermaster Corp Depot. Supco may refer to Supply Control, although I
am uncertain. I don’t know what the 31G or 173 refer to.
The holster is in very good condition given its age (100
years!). There is some drying and crazing to the flap, and leading edge (top of
barrel) of the holster, but it is not severe and overall the leather is
reasonably supple. There is age-related discoloration and mottling, but overall
a nice patina. Of course there are scratches, scuffs and rub marks as might be
expected from a used military holster, but again, no severe wear or damage. It
has a nicely marked US oval logo on the flap. The stitching is all good; this
holster could be used to safely house and carry a 1911. The original brass
hanger and internal leather block are present. I have not cleaned this holster
(so as to protect the signature), and there is some green verdigris from the
metal interacting with the acidic compounds used during tanning or oiling that
should be cleaned.
If you have any questions please dont hesitate to ask.
Specializing in stamps, equestrian tack, as well as vintage fishing
and hunting. Also the occasional item we have around the house. Happy to
combine shipping if it does not risk damaging items. Have a good day!