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. Holsters like this one are often misidentified as Ropes holsters due to the cartridge loops near the rim of the opening and the "butt backward" positioning. However, one of the things Ropes disliked the most about the Forsyth holster was the flap, which on this example is even larger than that of the U.S. Pattern 1881 holster and the Forsyth holster. It is believed that neither of Captain Ropes' submitted designs had flaps. 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. 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 era 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.

Fair, showing moderate wear consistent with possible field/trials use, some scattered minor cracking, and a dark brown/black appearance overall.