This holster is believed to be based on a pattern submitted by Captain James M. Ropes as an improvement upon the "Forsyth" holster being trialed by his unit, Troop B 8th U.S. Cavalry. It is likely that this holster is one of a small number manufactured for trials during the reign of the Pattern 1881 holster and was never adopted; these are believed to have been manufactured by the San Antonio Arsenal between 1883 and 1890. It shows the typical large belt loop of "Mexican Style" holsters of the time, "butt backward" orientation if worn on the right, a large Civil War style flap with leather tab and brass finial for securing, ten cartridge loops below the rim of the opening, and all main pieces attached with brass rivets. A similar example is shown and discussed on pages 146-147 of "U.S. Military Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes" by Edward Meadows.

About good, with extensive age related cracking and wear.