Description
WW2 M1911 Brown Leather Flaps Holster – HOYT 1918 J.C.Y Marked
This is an original WWI-era U.S. military M1916 leather holster, purpose-built for the Colt M1911 .45 ACP pistol. Dated 1918 and manufactured by Hoyt, this example bears the inspector’s stamp “J.C.Y.” (James C. Yates), a U.S. Ordnance officer whose initials appear on many of the finest U.S.-issued holsters from the First World War.
Crafted from thick russet brown leather, the holster follows the early full-flap military pattern with a brass stud closure, contoured body, and reinforced toe plug. The face features a crisp “U.S.” oval stamp, and the reverse is clearly marked “HOYT / 1918” along with the inspector’s “J.C.Y.” cartouche. These markings remain deep and distinct, adding collector value and ensuring authentication.
The leather has aged beautifully over the last century, with supple texture, uniform darkening from age and use, and strong, tight stitching throughout. The belt loop is unmodified and fully functional, designed to fit the standard U.S. G.I. pistol belt of the WWI and interwar periods. The flap opens and closes securely, and the form has held its shape well, making it a perfect display piece alongside an early Colt 1911 or transitional rebuild.
WWI-dated M1916 holsters—especially from 1918 and with full inspection markings—have become increasingly scarce on the collector market, as most saw continued service through WWII and beyond.
A true U.S. military original—complete, correct, and ideal for pairing with a WWI Colt or early rebuild .45.
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