This is an example of a military belt holster for the Colt Single Action Army and Smith & Wesson Schofield revolvers. A similar holster is pictured in Richard Rattenbury's book PACKING IRON on page 30. The holster is an experimental right handed design which has often been credited to Captain James Ropes of the 8th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Ringgold, Texas. These holsters were manufactured at the San Antonio Arsenal, Texas, circa 1885-1895. Constructed of black bridle-weight leather, the holster has an extended belt loop/back shirt, a full flap top with strap closure, 10 cartridge loops sewn at the mouth. The skirt is attached to the holster by two rivets on the back of the holster body. The closure flap is stamped "314" and the flap is stamped "0136".

Fair as restored, showing overall age cracking and old crude replacement stitching on the holster body.