U S holster

[Phil from Kansas]

My father gave this to me after he owned it for many years. He didn't know anything about it. The "US" caught my attention, because it reminded me of Civil War belt buckles. On the back it's stamped "U.S." on the top line and "Enger-Kr" on bottom. It looks like there are more letters after "kr", but it's under a brad, and i'm reluctant to straighten it out for fear it might break. Enger is the name of a town in Germany, as well as a last name.
I tried my colt new service (1917) in it and it fit. Please let me know if this is military or not, and it's era. Thanks!

 

[Phil from Kansas]

Here is the pic

 

[CapnMac]

That's a style of US military-issued shoulder holster that has been in use since about 1936. The brown color leather was used until the 60s when DoD went to black leather..

Looks like it's seen some travel, and some history.

 

[dfariswheel]

Your holster is a US M3 "Tanker" shoulder holster made in the USA by Enger-Kress of West Bend Wisc for the US Model 1911A1 .45 automatic pistol..
They made US Model 1916 hip holsters and the M3 shoulder holster during WWII.

Your holster is missing the over-the-head-and-shoulder strap, and has been modified by the lacing on the top.
The M3 was developed for use by air crews and tankers, but anybody who could get one used them, especially officers and paratroopers.
It was more a chest holster then an under the arm shoulder holster, and was not intended for concealed wear.

Do a search for images of the "US M3 holster" and you'll find photos of how it was worn

 

[Phil from Kansas]

Thanks! My dad will be thrilled with this history!

 

[bannockburn]

Phil from Kansas

This the later M7 version of your Dad's holster. The top strap goes on your left shoulder while the strap (which I wrapped around the shoulder strap for the photo), can go over your left shoulder or else it can go around your chest.
Both straps have numerous eyelets so they are adjustable to accommodate different chest sizes.