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, 11 cartridge loops sewn at the mouth. Note that the holster in Rattenbury's book has 10 cartridge loops, not 11. The skirt is attached to the holster by two rivets on the back of the holster body.

About good, complete. The leather is stiff, shows overall age cracking and some replacement stitching on the bottom plug. A must have accessory for the late 19th century Indian War Era or early U.S. military metallic cartridge sidearm collector, especially those specializing in U.S. Colt Cavalry Single Action Armys.