Black leather revolver holster and cross strap 1942 - 1947
Name/Title
Black leather revolver holster with shoulder cross strap 1944 - 1947
Entry/Object ID
2571
Description
Black leather revolver holster with cross strap.
Use
For carrying a revolver attached to a Sam Browne style belt
Context
This holster belonged to Angus Cargill who was the chief constable of Hastings from 1942 until 1954. From 1944 to 1947 he was seconded to the Army to organise the policing for liberated countries and occupied Germany. He eventually became responsible for the civil policing in the British sector of West Berlin. Whilst in the army he was given the rank of lieutenant colonel and would have worn an army uniform complete with brown leather Sam Browne (item 2573) and a brown leather holster (item 2570). Normally a black holster would only have been worn with a black Sam Browne, which makes this holster a little puzzling. As chief constable of Hastings Cargill did wear a black Sam Brown with cross strap but would not have carried a firearm, although police officers did have limited access to firearms during the war. It is possible that he had this holster complete with revolver for use in an emergency during wartime, or that he wore a police style uniform during his time in Berlin, complete with black Sam Browne. Either way it seems to have very little wear.
