Original British WWII “Tanker” .38 Webley Long Drop Leg Holster With Matching Thigh Strap – Dated 1943 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The British Army has long created pieces of equipment for troops with specialist roles. Where once cavalry had their own equipment optimized for warfare on horseback, by the Second World War tank crews had also received specialist clothing and equipment designed to help them fight as easily as possible in the tight confines of the tank. One area that needed to be addressed was that of side arms and their holsters. If a tank were to be hit and the crew forced to bail out, they would need some form of personal protection. The standard British Army revolver was chosen to fulfill this need, but the standard holsters worn on the belt were not ideal as they had a habit of catching on the equipment in the tank.

To get around this, a new ‘tankers’ holster was introduced. This was worn low on the upper thigh and strapped to the leg in an attempt to prevent it snagging. This holster was still not ideal and many were modified by shortening the top strap so it rested closer to the hip and removing the securing strap so it hung loose. This unofficial modification was to become a standard type in 1943 and new holsters started being manufactured in this style.

This example escaped the fate of being modified and appears to be even dated 1943, which means it was made just before the official change in design! The holster is in great, nearly unissued condition and complete with the leg strap. The markings on the back of both are difficult to read, but we can make out M S & U Ltd 1943 on both with Broadarrow stamps.

This is a great opportunity to add a hard to find Tanker’s holster to your collection. Comes more than ready for display!