US Vietnam Era, Bianchi, M66 Pistol Holster

Original era manufacture. A well made black leather holster for a large frame automatic, M1911, Browning Hi-Power. Brass snap closure, marked BIANCHI M66patent pending, under both of the belt loops. Made to be worn either on the right or left side.Bianchi was granted a patent for this holster in 1972. Never adopted as standard, but numbers were purchased for testing and limited use by the military. Normal wear and use. See page 332, US Military Holsters and Cartridge Boxes, Edward Scott Meadows, 1987.