USMC Boyt Holster

**Lugerlout** · 09-28-2013, 12:46 PM

Hi all, just picked up this USMC shoulder holster, stamped Boyt 45, its in very good condition except for the lower snap fastener which is broken, I'd like to get it repaired but not sure if its the right thing to do, has anyone had a similar repair dilemma ?......keep it original or sympathetic repair......I'm sure its something that any competent leather specialist could do...............also I understand that there were at least two different versions of the shoulder holster, can anyone give me any more info on this or my example in particular ?...Thanks.

Phil.

**FJR6** · 10-02-2013, 09:33 PM

Phil, that is a very nice looking holster you've got yourself.

Personally if it was me I would keep it as it is rather than try and repair it. I only say that as the damage to it could have been through its service life time and therefore part of what makes it the item it is today, but that's my personal view and I wouldn't let it influence your gut instinct!

As for the 2 variants, I think the army issue was slightly different in the straps but the physical holster was the same? This is off the top of my head from a very sleep deprived memory this week and without my books it's a bit of a shot in the dark but maybe some can elaborate on it???

Thanks

Jon

**Wagriff** · 10-02-2013, 09:44 PM

What I always think is "What would the original owner do?" .Personally, I would restore it .

**Walkwolf** · 10-02-2013, 11:44 PM

I have an Enger-Kress shoulder holster that had the same problem.
Took it to a leatherwork stall in a flea market. The guy made wrist
bracelets and such, but he had the correct size snap in chromed
metal - WWII era snaps were blackened. The bottom piece
is hidden under the leather anyway.

I had to remove several stitches to replace the one button,
and sewed it back together with similar colour thread.
It is hardly noticeable, if at all.........

**FJR6** · 10-02-2013, 11:46 PM

I suppose as long as the repair can be done sympathetically so as you say Steve it's not noticable then I guess it actually prolongs the life/usability etc.

**Walkwolf** · 10-02-2013, 11:48 PM

If I remember, I'll post a pic.........

**FJR6** · 10-02-2013, 11:50 PM

I'll be interested to see it. A good friend of mine had an Army shoulder holster but unfortunately the leather strap you'd use to attach to your belt snapped due to age and use. I'm not sure if a repair of that nature would look as good becasue of adding a new piece of leather to a 65+ year old item.

**Walkwolf** · 10-02-2013, 11:53 PM

Aging techniques could be used to blend the colour in with the
original leather, but a snap is a much easier fix.........

**FJR6** · 10-02-2013, 11:55 PM

He did mention it but I think I had a bit of a knee jerk reaction when he mentioned doing that and I might have talked him out of it! On reflection though if it could be aged befroe the old piece was removed then I don't see why not but like you say snaps are far easier, and probably cheaper!!!