Shoulder holster with straps, and waist holster with belt, made in Vietnam,
ca. 1960s-70s, RVNHS Archive.
Republic of Vietnam military personnel often preferred to acquire their own equipment for use in the field when possible. Privately purchased holsters, such as these two from the RVNHS Archive, can be found in period photographs showing them in use by members of all branches of the armed forces, including the police. Occasionally, these holsters and ammunition belts were issued, but more often than not they were purchased on an individual basis. The two holsters shown here, like many made in Vietnam, are of water buffalo hide. They could be found for sale by street vendors and tailors throughout the republic, and like any item produced in an open market, ranged in quality from average strength pieces to works of great craftmanship.
A Time-Life magazine photo showing a street vendor offering a selection of locally made
holsters and ammunition belts, Saigon, 1967.
Two members of the National Police with locally made holsters and belts, 1960s.
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