Description
Vietnam-Era U.S. Leather Revolver Holster – RIA V.R.A. Marked
This is an original Vietnam War-era U.S. military revolver holster, manufactured by Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) and marked with the inspector initials “V.R.A.”—a designation associated with government ordnance inspection during the Cold War period. Designed for use with standard-issue .38 caliber revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Victory Model or Colt Commando, this holster was widely issued to military police, aviators, and rear-echelon personnel throughout the 1960s and early 1970s.
Constructed from sturdy brown leather, this holster features the classic full-flap military pattern with brass snap closure, stitched toe plug, and wide rear belt loop compatible with standard G.I. web belts. The reverse is clearly stamped “RIA” for Rock Island Arsenal, alongside “V.R.A.”—the initials of the ordnance inspector who approved the holster for service.
The leather shows excellent aging, with a deep, warm patina and no cracking or rot. Stitching is tight and unbroken. The brass snap remains fully functional, and the form is well-retained—clearly molded to fit a medium-frame revolver with a 4-inch barrel. This holster remains unmodified and retains all original components, making it ideal for display or reenactment.
V.R.A.-inspected RIA holsters are a lesser-seen variant of Vietnam-era gear, increasingly sought after by collectors of Cold War sidearms and military police equipment. A correct and well-preserved example of a U.S. revolver rig from the Vietnam conflict.
Original, inspected, and ready for service—just as it was over 50 years ago.
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