I agree with your statements about the dangers of a reverse carry but similiar dangers remain with most conventional carries. I don't think it increases the liklihood of an accident but if one happened, it would be of a more serious nature. That's for sure. Accidents with revolvers were rather common back when Western-style fast draw was a popular sport. You could buy a Hollywood style holster with a bullet deflector.
Regarding the old cavalry holsters, I believe the US Cavalry were the only mounted troops that carried their handguns like that. I think it is more likely that it was a more comfortable carry for a mounted man. I have one I had made for a S&W Model 10 revolver and it is more convenient and comfortable for many situations but by no stretch of the imagination can you do anything like a quick draw from one. Mine came from El Paso leather. I also happen to have a photo of my father wearing a reverse draw holster with (presumably) a Model 1917 .45 revolver, the photo taken probably in 1945. He had been drafted and was 31 years old.
While it often pointed out that the German army issued more pistols than anyone, in actuality, the US Cavalry issued revolvers and later pistols to all troopers. They quit using swords in the early 1930s. Other armies tended not to issue pistols or revolvers so generously.
Regarding the old cavalry holsters, I believe the US Cavalry were the only mounted troops that carried their handguns like that. I think it is more likely that it was a more comfortable carry for a mounted man. I have one I had made for a S&W Model 10 revolver and it is more convenient and comfortable for many situations but by no stretch of the imagination can you do anything like a quick draw from one. Mine came from El Paso leather. I also happen to have a photo of my father wearing a reverse draw holster with (presumably) a Model 1917 .45 revolver, the photo taken probably in 1945. He had been drafted and was 31 years old.
While it often pointed out that the German army issued more pistols than anyone, in actuality, the US Cavalry issued revolvers and later pistols to all troopers. They quit using swords in the early 1930s. Other armies tended not to issue pistols or revolvers so generously.