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Carbine "Holster, experimental"

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Donnie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Carbine "Holster, experimental"
    Posted: Sep 17 2019 at 5:08pm
I recently saw this holster for sale and grabbed it. Yikes, I paid $175 shipped; but just had to possess it.

Now I am trying to figure out more about the holster. It looks USGI, minty and unissued. Larry Ruth has some limited info on it (on page 649) in his “War Baby Comes Home” that describes the material used and dimensions, but little else. He labels it “Holster, experimental”. What does that mean? I never noticed any other Carbine (or Garand) accessories made by Protection Products. As a relatively novice collector I have never had eyes on such a cool holster for carbines. Does anyone else have one of these? Can you tell me more about it? Is the holster rare? Thanks for your help.

Did I forget to mention that I absolutely love this holster/scabbard!

I am working on posting photos.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 17 2019 at 5:30pm





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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 17 2019 at 6:06pm

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 17 2019 at 6:12pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote W5USMC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 17 2019 at 6:44pm
Looks like the holster that Cashdds posted a picture of, in his "Curious as to value" thread. Not sure who made his.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote New2brass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 17 2019 at 8:06pm
hmm, IMA has a reproduction with different name on it.

Then there is this


I wonder how many experimental holster in great shape are out there.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 17 2019 at 9:04pm
New2brass, I just reviewed IMA's website and did not see any such reproduction Carbine canvas holsters. Are you referring to another website?

That "Pre98" website with a USGI original for sale looks identical to the one I have. Mine definitely has that 73 year dusty, old canvas smell. I'd consider gently washing it but am afraid I would reduce its originality or worse mess it up. I have carefully washed/cleaned and air dried some USGI pouches. However, I think I will let this holster alone.

I'd post more detailed photos, but for some reason I am unable to successfully post any more photos on this thread/forum. (scratching my head in puzzlement and frustration)


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote W5USMC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 17 2019 at 9:22pm
Page 153 of Riesch's 8th edition has a paragraph about the Holster, Experimental.
Says it was developed for troops that could not carry a weapon on their shoulders with a sling, such as Signal Corps Lineman, Combat Engineers, MPs ect..
Also says they were only manufactured in 1943 by "Protection Products CO.", "LUB. PROD. CO." and "JEFF. Q.M.D."
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 18 2019 at 5:43pm
Originally posted by W5USMC W5USMC wrote:

Page 153 of Riesch's 8th edition has a paragraph about the Holster, Experimental.
Says it was developed for troops that could not carry a weapon on their shoulders with a sling, such as Signal Corps Lineman, Combat Engineers, MPs ect..
Also says they were only manufactured in 1943 by "Protection Products CO.", "LUB. PROD. CO." and "JEFF. Q.M.D."

Wayne, that is some great info on that holster. The use by those troops certainly makes sense. But, I wonder why the use of the term "experimental". What is experimental about this holster? It doesn't have that beta model look to it. But, then what do I know. Now I am wondering just how many were made and as to why they only made them for one year. So there were three manufacturers of these canvas holsters and only made one year. I guess that makes them somewhat rare.

Thanks for all the responses. -Don
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote W5USMC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 18 2019 at 6:32pm
Don, No idea why the holster is referred to as Experimental. I am not implying that yours is a reproduction, but as Dan mentioned there are reproductions being sold out there. See the link below for a Repro LUB. PROD. holster.
https://www.worldwarsupply.com/cart/US-WWII-M1-Carbine-Canvas-Holster-Case-Marked-Lub-Prod-Co-1943
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 20 2019 at 4:12pm
Originally posted by W5USMC W5USMC wrote:

Don, No idea why the holster is referred to as Experimental. I am not implying that yours is a reproduction, but as Dan mentioned there are reproductions being sold out there. See the link below for a Repro LUB. PROD. holster.
https://www.worldwarsupply.com/cart/US-WWII-M1-Carbine-Canvas-Holster-Case-Marked-Lub-Prod-Co-1943

Wayne, thanks for the link. I checked it out. I am certain mine is not some $30.00 repop holster that they are selling. But, then I can't claim to be an expert. I am actually glad to see that these holsters were note worthy enough that somebody out there makes repos of them.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote New2brass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 21 2019 at 10:47am
Originally posted by Donnie Donnie wrote:

New2brass, I just reviewed IMA's website and did not see any such reproduction Carbine canvas holsters. Are you referring to another website?

That "Pre98" website with a USGI original for sale looks identical to the one I have. Mine definitely has that 73 year dusty, old canvas smell. I'd consider gently washing it but am afraid I would reduce its originality or worse mess it up. I have carefully washed/cleaned and air dried some USGI pouches. However, I think I will let this holster alone.

I'd post more detailed photos, but for some reason I am unable to successfully post any more photos on this thread/forum. (scratching my head in puzzlement and frustration)



IMA link

I do not know enough about web gear to give any advice the Protection Products holster. I would look into if they made any other web gear.
What I did notice is that the stitching on the leather is not a quality I would expect for Ordnance acceptance, But being experimental?????
The leather also seems too blond. again, I have no idea

I would not wash anything canvas due to possible shrinkage. 

Can you post pictures in other threads? are you getting an error message, if so please let me know what is says.

I guess I will now have to keep an eye out for these holster!

P.S. to add: New Infantry Drill Regulations in 1944 had illustrations of a soldier wearing a carbine holster as well as the belt setup. There were a few things similar that were published but never implemented.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote W5USMC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 21 2019 at 11:00am
Originally posted by New2brass New2brass wrote:

I would look into if they made any other web gear.


Protection Product Co also made Ruck Sacks.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 21 2019 at 11:36am








N2B, thanks for the photo posting tips and that IMA link. I agree that the sloppy stitching and the pale leather is not typical of USGI contractor work. Has anyone seen a new repop for sale that is labeled with the same contractor "Protection Products 1943"? I am curious and would like to compare a known repop with my holster, if repops are currently for sale.

I have posted several more detailed photos for evaluation. If anyone wants a certain close up photo of a certain area, please let me know. Thanks for everyone's comments. I love this forum.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote New2brass Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 21 2019 at 12:10pm
I guess a good look at the hardware and printing on their ruck sacks would be a start.

Donnie, any makers marks on the metal pieces, front or back?

As to current vs "vitntage" repops go, this has been one of the things the club has been struggling with over the past 40 year. When reproductions would pop up they would be noted. Unfortunately, there were things which the membership had no interest in back then that there is interest now. 

one vintage item that keeps popping up is the F-S Co. sling. It showed up all over in I believe the early 80's. They keep showing up. Now guys are dropping 70 plus bucks on them. Some are asking 350 or more!
Keep this in the back of your head: F-S = Fake Sling!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 21 2019 at 1:06pm
N2B, yes, I would like to learn more about PP co.'s ruck sacks hardware markings. Does anyone have a PP Co made ruck sack for comparison?

AS to the holster, I see no hardware markings front or back, such as "Klikit Pull or "Star Pull" as on my 1943 dated Biscayne Tent & Awning Co pocket/pouch. Such a maker's mark would have been more reassuring to me. The brass-ish metal is black anodized and is not painted.

Thanks for the tip regarding those fake slings.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hunterman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 21 2019 at 2:49pm
Here is my holster.  Someone once told me to test web gear, pull a thread and light it to see if it burns.  I don't know if that always holds true.  I am not a specialist in web gear but I never considered it not to be authentic.  It is heavy, stiff, and has the typical military surplus smell.  I bought it several years ago from a trusted member on a now defunct carbine forum.





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Donnie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Donnie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Sep 22 2019 at 3:13pm
Hunterman, thanks for your comments and excellent photos of your holster. Our holsters are identical and surely were made by the same manufacturer,  which we trust was Protection Products Co in 1943. Wink
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