[jleiper]

Post war made for export holsters.
I've been asked twice in the last weeks about these so here is the information:

These appear to have been made just to be able to put a holster with a revolver for export. 2 sizes have been observed – standard service revolver size and an oversized version for the MTs-4 target revolvers.

They are made of a thin dark red water proof material with a felt like interior surface Closure buttons are brass and appear to be identical on both models.
The body of the standard service model is made from 3 pieces; a back, a front, and a flap. All are double line stitched together. There is no pouch or other provision for carrying spare cartridges. The closure strap is similar to a 1920s leather version with pointed tips. The service revolver version has two loops on the front edge for a cleaning rod.

The standard service revolver version of the “Made for Export” holster

The oversize version of the “Made for Export” holster shown with a first model MTs-4

The body and flap of the MTs-4 holster is all one piece. It has no cleaning rod loops or provision for carrying cartridges. The shape of the closure strap is unlike any observed leather version.

Front and rear of the oversize version of the “Made for Export” holster

The large version “Made for Export” holster open with an MTs-4

I suspect that these were made very recently. None have been observed with any kind of quality or manufacturing marks.
Joe

 

[45Auto]

I have examined the MTs-4 holster and it does not seem like the kind of thing that would hold up to much use before falling appart.

Any idea of when they were made or who made them?

 

[jleiper]

I'm only guessing but they could have been made here in the States to comply with some BATF import rule or at the source. From the workmanship and style, I would guess at the source.

They may hold up better than we think, but the earlier "storage" holsters would certainly be more durable. As to when, they have only shown up in the last few years and I think that they are newly made. There are no dates or quality marks on any I've examined. The two I pictured were loaned to me for purposes of photographing them for my reference library.

One last comment: Why do you need a holster for a target revolver? A case, yes, but not a holster.
Joe

 

[45Auto]

I agree with your commnet. The MTs-4 holster in my collection was in the box with a target revolver. I suppose if you wanted to carry a target revolver in the field for hunting the holster might come in handy. Otherwise, useless and not all that attractive.