This is a Civil War era black leather holster sized for the large-frame army revolvers of the period, the Model 1858 Remington New Model Army and the Model 1860 Colt Army, both with 8-inch barrels. It follows the general pattern of the army holster: a tapered body closed at the muzzle, the characteristic raised “ear” at the rear of the body, and a large rounded flap that closes over a brass stud. The reverse carries a wide rounded belt loop secured with rivets top and bottom.

What sets this holster apart is the folk-art decoration on the flap. Scribed into the leather is a compass-drawn six-petal rosette, the “daisy wheel” or hex sign motif closely associated with the Pennsylvania German (Pennsylvania Dutch) community. It was almost certainly added by the soldier who carried it, and it marks this holster as most likely the personal possession of a Pennsylvania Dutch soldier. Personalized holsters with regional folk-art decoration like this rarely turn up, and this one would be a fine addition to a Pennsylvania-focused collection.

Dimensions (approximate): 11 1/2" overall length; 7" overall height from the top of the rear ear to the bottom of the flap; flap approximately 5" wide; body tapers to about 1" at the muzzle.

Condition: The holster is good overall, complete, and retains its original shape. It still shows the molded impressions of the Colt model 1860 revolver’s frame, cylinder and wedge in the body. The body has heavy crazing to the black finish, typical of period leather of this age. The flap is noticeably smoother, with light crazing, scuffing, and handling wear, and a slight lift at the upper rear edge near the hinge. The leather is very hard and extremely stiff, as if was stored in a hot attic for a long period.

The brass closure stud is present, with verdigris. The rivets on the reverse show similar verdigris and are all present and tight. The belt loop is intact. It is worn and stretched from being suspended from a belt. The seam along the body is tight, but a few small sections have flaked away. No maker’s or inspector’s markings are visible.

This is an honest, unrestored Civil War era holster with a rare and appealing Pennsylvania Dutch touch. [stp][ph:L]

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