CARVED OR TOOLED AND LACED

crazyphil · #1 06-03-2017, 06:29 AM

I would like to propose a thread for carved or tooled holsters
that are also laced. In my opinion they are the most visually
pleasing. If you have some, I would like to see them. I will
start with a few of mine. Left to right:

Heiser 713 with my S&W model 19. This was misplaced on the
auction site, dirty, beat up, no strap, etc. I rescued it for a song,
cleaned it up, put a strap on it, and am pleased with the rehab.

Chisholm's Trail Texas Ranger with my S&W model 29.
Made by my friend Alan. His wife Donna does the carving.
The white lace is kangaroo.

Lawrence 452 with S&W model 10 2" barrel. My latest
acquisition. I'm liking it a lot.

Eubanks with S&W model 10 4" barrel. Looks pretty good
for being around over 70 years.

Idaho Leather with Colt's 1911 .45 ACP. db told me it was
made for a Ruger, and I'm sure he is right. The seller
represented it as fitting a 1911 and it does, so that's how
I use it.

crazyphil · #2 06-03-2017, 06:35 AM

I wanted to include this one, but no space above. It is a Eubanks Pioneer
Leather holster with my Colt's Agent. It needed re-lacing so I did it
myself. Not a professional job. (Obviously)

Shark Bait · #3 06-03-2017, 07:22 AM

Nice looking holsters and the 1911 appears to fit quite well. I especially like the basketweave holsters. I'd like to find one for my 3.5 inch pre-27.

turnerriver · #4 06-03-2017, 07:56 AM

Tibiletti from Texas.

A.H. Hardy

S.D. Myres

Regards,
turnerriver

crazyphil · #5 06-03-2017, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shark Bait

Nice looking holsters and the 1911 appears to fit quite well. I especially like the basketweave holsters. I'd like to find one for my 3.5 inch pre-27.

You don't happen to be left handed Shark Bait?

bruce5781 · #6 06-03-2017, 10:26 AM

Here's a couple I happen to have on the phone at the moment.

Eubanks, fits a 4" K frame. One of my all time favorites.

Eubanks for a Colt Commander. This was probably my first Eubanks.

Eubanks for a 4" K frame.

6" Eubanks.

6" Kframe Heiser flap, fleece lined.

boykinlp · #7 06-03-2017, 10:59 AM

Here are some of mine.

1. Floral carved Myres Holster with extreme lacing:

2. This is one of my favorite holsters. A Colorado Saddlery holster:

3. Here is a George Lawrence holster:

4. Another Lawrence holster:

5. Lastly, a Heiser Holster:

crazyphil · #8 06-03-2017, 11:11 AM

Absolutely gorgeous specimens from all the above. When Myres started lacing that jock strap he just couldn't stop. Very nice. If it was a contest
you would all win.

SDH · #9 06-03-2017, 04:41 PM

Lawrence SAA

I made this one for a 3" Chief Special

Custom made for me last year, The finest I've ever seen!

DevilDog72 · #10 06-03-2017, 06:10 PM

I can play... a carved and laced for my J Frame... made in Mexcio

bamabiker · #11 06-03-2017, 08:59 PM

Walter Rego · #12 06-03-2017, 09:25 PM

I have shown some of my Eubanks holsters before, the examples others have posted in this thread are gorgeous. Here is a Lawrence No. 120 for a Model 19 with basketweave and laced edge options. You don't see a lot of No. 120's that aren't for single action sixguns. Also a pic of a holster for my .32-20 M&P that is completely unmarked as to the maker. I need to take a better pic. The edge lacing is a maroon color, I haven't seen anything like that before.

Shark Bait · #13 06-03-2017, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

You don't happen to be left handed Shark Bait?

No, I'm not. But thanks anyway.

turnerriver · #14 06-04-2017, 09:54 AM

I bought a lot recently that included an El Paso Saddlery edge laced Colt SAA holster, I went to the website to get a current price on it and couldn't find where edge lacing on a holster was quoted. I think I heard on this forum that El Paso no longer had a craftsman who could do it.

This Heiser double rig reputedly hung in Evaluators Ltd. showroom.

Another Heiser.

And another.

A very special holster-a gift from watchdog. Brauer Brothers made it.

Regards,
turnerriver

crazyphil · #15 06-04-2017, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turnerriver

I bought a lot recently that included an El Paso Saddlery edge laced Colt SAA holster, I went to the website to get a current price on it and couldn't find where edge lacing on a holster was quoted. I think I heard on this forum that El Paso no longer had a craftsman who could do it.

This Heiser double rig reputedly hung in Evaluators Ltd. showroom.

Another Heiser.

And another.

A very special holster-a gift from watchdog. Brauer Brothers made it.

Regards,
turnerriver

John as to your comment about lacing I would think it would
be difficult to charge enough for the option to justify the labor
intensity of lacing. From my limited experience lacing, I found
it fairly easy to do, but extremely difficult to do right. My #2
post above illustrates that.

That new Lawrence, in the middle of my #1 post above, has
about as perfection in lacing as I have ever seen. I will try
a closeup below.

bruce5781 · #16 06-04-2017, 11:34 AM

Unknown Maker, almost assuredly Mexican.
Some of the finest lacing I have ever seen.

crazyphil · #17 06-04-2017, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce5781

Unknown Maker, almost assuredly Mexican.
Some of the finest lacing I have ever seen.

That is nice lacing Bruce. Maybe EPSaddery should look for
a lacer south of the border.

bruce5781 · #18 06-04-2017, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

That is nice lacing Bruce. Maybe EPSaddery should look for
a lacer south of the border.

It's difficult for me to believe that someone would put that much work into a holster, and then not sign it.
The inside is completely lined and then it extends all the way down the back side.

boykinlp · #19 06-04-2017, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

John as to your comment about lacing I would think it would be difficult to charge enough for the option to justify the labor intensity of lacing. From my limited experience lacing, I found it fairly easy to do, but extremely difficult to do right. My #2
post above illustrates that.

That new Lawrence, in the middle of my #1 post above, has
about as perfection in lacing as I have ever seen. I will try
a closeup below.

I sent Karla Van Horne an email about a year and a half ago asking about doing a holster like the full laced one in my post above. I have saved her response since I could hardly believe it. Here is what I asked and what she sent me.

"I was wondering if you could make a holster like this one. If you can, what would be the approximate cost for one made for a N frame S&W with 3 1/2 inch barrel?"
<Myres Model 445 (1).JPG>
<Myres Model 445 (9).JPG>

"My apologies for not having gotten back to you. I have been away on business and did not have the portion of the price list dealing with laced holsters on hand. I can make this holster, no problem with or without the lacing. Laced as shown the holster would run $1425.00. Sadly, lacing is not only an expensive material to deal with but it is incredibly time intensive to do and is unbelievably hard on the hands. I can't give it away.

If that is a bit out of line, I can do the same holster simply stitched for $400.00.

If you have further questions, please contact me. Orders must be done by phone as I must collect some personal info that should not go through cyberspace for security purposes."

Karla Van Horne
706-692-5536

She does extremely nice work, check it out at Purdy Gear.

bamabiker · #20 06-04-2017, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boykinlp

"Sadly, lacing is not only an expensive material to deal with but it is incredibly time intensive to do and is unbelievably hard on the hands."
Karla Van Horne

She left out aggravating, IMHO.

bruce5781 · #21 06-04-2017, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boykinlp

I sent Karla Van Horne an email about a year and a half ago asking about doing a holster like the full laced one in my post above. I have saved her response since I could hardly believe it. Here is what I asked and what she sent me.

"I was wondering if you could make a holster like this one. If you can, what would be the approximate cost for one made for a N frame S&W with 3 1/2 inch barrel?"
<Myres Model 445 (1).JPG>
<Myres Model 445 (9).JPG>

"My apologies for not having gotten back to you. I have been away on business and did not have the portion of the price list dealing with laced holsters on hand. I can make this holster, no problem with or without the lacing. Laced as shown the holster would run $1425.00. Sadly, lacing is not only an expensive material to deal with but it is incredibly time intensive to do and is unbelievably hard on the hands. I can't give it away.

If that is a bit out of line, I can do the same holster simply stitched for $400.00.

If you have further questions, please contact me. Orders must be done by phone as I must collect some personal info that should not go through cyberspace for security purposes."

Karla Van Horne
706-692-5536

She does extremely nice work, check it out at Purdy Gear.

Holy Cow !
Don't tell Doc. B. He's selling tooled and laced holsters for $275.

Sent from my SM-S975L using Tapatalk

crazyphil · #22 06-04-2017, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruce5781

Holy Cow !
Don't tell Doc. B. He's selling tooled and laced holsters for $275.

Sent from my SM-S975L using Tapatalk

A grand just for the lacing? I'd do it for half that.
See my excellent lacing in #2 post above. .Hah Hah

crazyphil · #23 06-04-2017, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turnerriver

Tibiletti from Texas.

A.H. Hardy

S.D. Myres

Regards,
turnerriver

John I really like Captain Hardy's carving, but I never see any
of his holsters for sale. Must be scarce huh?

turnerriver · #24 06-04-2017, 03:52 PM

Yes, Hardy holsters are scarce although they turn up now & then. I've been after them for years and have a modest collection.
I bought a pair of Van Horne holsters at an auction years ago and sold them for a tidy sum I thought- according to boykin's letter I left a couple grand on the table.
Regards,
turnerriver

bruce5781 · #25 06-04-2017, 08:20 PM

Here's one I've shown before. Lawrence lined, laced & toe cap for a Colt Commander.

DoubleAdobe · #26 06-05-2017, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turnerriver

Yes, Hardy holsters are scarce although they turn up now & then. I've been after them for years and have a modest collection.
I bought a pair of Van Horne holsters at an auction years ago and sold them for a tidy sum I thought- according to boykin's letter I left a couple grand on the table.
Regards,
turnerriver

Wow, the Van Horne holster is something.
As to the lacing on that one, ironically that type of edge lacing is very time consuming but easier to get right than the better examples of "rawhide" lacing seen with the older examples.
BTW, it is very often referred to as rawhide but is not. Although I have seen rawhide used but it looks completely different.

Doc Barranti · #27 06-05-2017, 08:35 PM

I currently only use rawhide, but hope to add the fancy calfskin lacing, as shown on the Myres and Van Horne examples above, in the near future.

crazyphil · #28 06-06-2017, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Barranti

I currently only use rawhide, but hope to add the fancy calfskin lacing, as shown on the Myres and Van Horne examples above, in the near future.

That's some beautiful lacing Doc.

jimgoldth · #29 06-06-2017, 07:52 AM

Lacing does add a lot to nice Leather.

bracebeemer · #30 06-06-2017, 09:36 AM

Here's an S.D.Myers that's really laced and carved!
Bill

bruce5781 · #31 06-06-2017, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Barranti

I currently only use rawhide, but hope to add the fancy calfskin lacing, as shown on the Myres and Van Horne examples above, in the near future.

Don't pay any attention to that $1400 remark

Sent from my SM-S975L using Tapatalk

crazyphil · #32 06-06-2017, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bracebeemer

Here's an S.D.Myers that's really laced and carved!
Bill

Some more exceptionally gorgeous lacing. Thanks for
showing it.

rog8732 · #33 06-06-2017, 11:44 AM

Somewhere amongst the comments about these works of art should be the clarification between "edge lacing", difficult enough to do in it's own right, and the far more difficult "braided edge lacing" of two, three, or even four parts.

Straight single-wrap edge lacing of rawhide is hard to get right because of several factors.
Working moisture of the thongs, and a consistent pull to tighten, are but a couple.
Whenever they could, the old boys who practiced the skill would finish the entire job at one sitting so all the wraps looked the same.

Braided work on the other hand, shares all the difficulties of the single wrap, plus several others.

That Myres tooled and edge braided "jock-strap" shown above in post #7 would likely meet with favor by even the most critical of old-time leather-men.

The lady holster supplier mentioned who values lace work at $1000 for a single holster puts her rate for the work at what I figure to be about $200 bucks an hour.
In a full service leather holster shop, with all supplies ready at hand it is about a five hour job for a skilled craftsman.
I expect part of her pricing structure has to do with an already "full order book"....( "But she do put out some purdy work" !

Edit to add: This is a fine idea, (and title) for a thread crazyphil.
Maybe even for a country song as well.

turnerriver · #34 06-06-2017, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bracebeemer

Here's an S.D.Myers that's really laced and carved!
Bill

Bill, that's a beautiful and unusual Myres holster. The Ranger or jockstrap models shown below are more commonly seen dressed up like this.
This pair was made for an Abercrombie & Fitch sales rep.

Here's a Heiser with front lacing as well, it fits a 4" K frame.

Three Lawrence laced holsters.

Great thread, Phil.
Regards,
turnerriver

bracebeemer · #35 06-06-2017, 12:29 PM

I think that S.D.Myers holster lacers (?)were the best with their fancy 4 part braiding. Even the safety strap on the one Myers I've shown is braided. The black single action holster is also 4 part braided.
Bill

crazyphil · #36 06-06-2017, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rog8732

Somewhere amongst the comments about these works of art should be the clarification between "edge lacing", difficult enough to do in it's own right, and the far more difficult "braided edge lacing" of two, three, or even four parts.

Straight single-wrap edge lacing of rawhide is hard to get right because of several factors.
Working moisture of the thongs, and a consistent pull to tighten, are but a couple.
Whenever they could, the old boys who practiced the skill would finish the entire job at one sitting so all the wraps looked the same.

Braided work on the other hand, shares all the difficulties of the single wrap, plus several others.

That Myres tooled and edge braided "jock-strap" shown above in post #7 would likely meet with favor by even the most critical of old-time leather-men.

The lady holster supplier mentioned who values lace work at $1000 for a single holster puts her rate for the work at what I figure to be about $200 bucks an hour.
In a full service leather holster shop, with all supplies ready at hand it is about a five hour job for a skilled craftsman.
I expect part of her pricing structure has to do with an already "full order book"....( "But she do put out some purdy work" !

Edit to add: This is a fine idea, (and title) for a thread crazyphil.
Maybe even for a country song as well.

A country song huh? "Carvin, Toolin, and Lacin"
I'll have to give that some thought. I could probably
do that except for the words and the music.

Jeppo · #37 06-06-2017, 12:46 PM

Man, you guys got some buuuuuuutiful holsters!!!!!!!!!!!!!

crazyphil · #38 06-06-2017, 04:17 PM

OK rog8732 here are some lyrics. You do the music and we'll split 50/50.
We could be another Rogers and Hammerstein. Do you think?
I wanted to title it "What kind of fool am I" but that was already taken.

CARVIN, TOOLIN, & LACIN

I was carvin, toolin & lacin when my heart began to racin.
When I saw that little redhead cross the street.

The holster was pretty, but she was sweet. I just knew
that we would have to meet.

I jumped up so quick that I took a fall, an punctured
my hand with my awl.

As I ran to catch her, I bled all over the street.

She is a nurse and she patched me up.
A happy ending? Yup, Yup, Yup.

rog8732 · #39 06-06-2017, 05:06 PM

That is a helluva start !...well begging your pardon, but I can't believe that is your FIRST effort.

With long experience I have found my considerable country "song-writin" skills to be best honed behind several bottles of P B R.
I can also play at least two chords on a guitar,...most times the same way twice.

But man oh man the way you pulled those lyrics out at almost an hour before "happy hour" is amazing !
Billboard Top 10 here we come !!

crazyphil · #40 06-06-2017, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rog8732

That is a helluva start !...well begging your pardon, but I can't believe that is your FIRST effort.

With long experience I have found my considerable country "song-writin" skills to be best honed behind several bottles of P B R.
I can also play at least two chords on a guitar,...most times the same way twice.

But man oh man the way you pulled those lyrics out at almost an hour before "happy hour" is amazing !
Billboard Top 10 here we come !!

I used to enjoy picking and singing a little bit, but I gave my
guitar away to my great-granddaughter about 17 years ago.
Never did write anything though. I could pick enough cords
for all the songs on this, my only recording. But I couldn't
now.

les.b · #41 06-06-2017, 06:53 PM

Phil:

What a great topic for a thread. No way I can compete with the fantastic holsters posted so far, but here's what comes to hand:

Thanks to the kind generosity of a forum member, I have this Eubanks for the Colt 1903:

My only other "tooled" holster is this "Tom Threepersons" from the El Paso Saddlery for the Colt Commander:

Best Regards, Les

crazyphil · #42 06-06-2017, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by les.b

Phil:

What a great topic for a thread. No way I can compete with the fantastic holsters posted so far, but here's what comes to hand:

Thanks to the kind generosity of a forum member, I have this Eubanks for the Colt 1903:

My only other "tooled" holster is this "Tom Threepersons" from the El Paso Saddlery for the Colt Commander:

Best Regards, Les

Thank God it's not a competition Les. I would be in deep doo
doo if it was. Lots of fine looking leather work on here.
Is that a Eubanks or Eubanks Pioneer?

les.b · #43 06-06-2017, 07:33 PM

Phil, here's the back side with the makers mark:

Best Regards, Les

Walter Rego · #44 06-06-2017, 08:36 PM

Here is one with an unusual tooling pattern. It is marked Faust Pasadena CA on the rear. I have not been able to find much info on the maker. But I sure like his work.

crazyphil · #45 06-07-2017, 08:34 AM

Thanks to all who have contributed all these photos of gorgeous specimens
of carving, tooling, and lacing.
Sorry about veering off subject with the country music levity.

CQB27 · #46 06-07-2017, 11:46 AM

I only have one. A Eubanks made for a 4 inch Highway Patrolman, although I guess it would work well with any 4 inch N Frame.

Markings.

crazyphil · #47 06-07-2017, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CQB27

I only have one. A Eubanks made for a 4 inch Highway Patrolman, although I guess it would work well with any 4 inch N Frame.

Markings.

That is a pristine example of a Eubanks Pioneer. Eubanks
sold to Pioneer in 1949 so it could have been made as early
as 1949. The trademark didn't expire until 1988.

bracebeemer · #48 06-08-2017, 04:43 PM

These are my carved and laced holsters with one exception that is tooled and carved.
Bill

crazyphil · #49 06-08-2017, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bracebeemer

These are my carved and laced holsters with one exception that is tooled and carved.
Bill

WOW bracebeemer. That's what I call a collection. Or really
4 collections. Nice Navajo rugs too.

crazyphil · #50 06-09-2017, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bracebeemer

These are my carved and laced holsters with one exception that is tooled and carved.
Bill

I'm thinking the top row is 3 Myres & 1 Heiser?
Center row at least 1 Heiser, maybe all?
Bottom row 2 Heiser's in middle, others?
Correct me. Help me out. Thanks.