WW2 Japanese Type 14 Nambu Holster Rubberized Canvas with Shoulder Strap 1944

In March 1938, the Japanese military gave its contractors authorization to use leather substitutes in the manufacture of  belts, ammo pouches, bayonet frogs, slings, holsters and other equipment.

These substitutes were not meant to replace leather, but rather were approved to meet production quotas if leather was not available.

This allowance was necessary due to the need to equip tens of thousands of Japanese conscripts for the rapidly expanding war in China and the inability of contractors to procure sufficient high-quality leather to manufacture belts, ammo pouches, bayonet frogs, holsters, slings etc. As a result, two manufacturing substitutes were authorized.

One substitute, as here, was three pieces of cotton canvas with latex set in between.

The other substitute was latex injected into a mold with three pieces of cotton canvas inside the mold.

This one is a very desirable holster because it still has the shoulder belt attached. 90% of Japanese holsters do not have the shoulder belt.

The inside flap indicates Showa 19 production which is 1944.