A MYSTERY HOLSTER

crazyphil · #1 06-17-2017, 05:18 AM

I'm a sucker for carved and laced holsters. I saw one on the
auction site that looked quite attractive in the photos. The
seller said it fits "small revolvers". It didn't cost much, so I
bought it.

In the first photo, on the left, you can see it is carved (?)
I suspect it is embossed, but I'm no expert at telling the
difference. The vintage Charter Undercover and S&W 642
are the smallest revolvers I have, and as you can see, they
have to stop at the trigger guard.

2nd from left, the safety strap uses an old fashioned button.
Seller said he got these holsters from a gun shop that was
going out of business.

3rd from left, you can see it does have pretty good lacing.

4th from left, the back shows the belt loop fastened with
rivets. But they are not visible inside, so must have some
kind of lining.

5th from left, no maker mark. Just the PH21 GENUINE
HAND TOOLED LEATHER that you can see.

The width of the mouth opening is 3"
Measuring from top of the mouth, just above the button, down
to the toe is six and a quarter inches.

Do any of you have an idea what "small revolver" or maybe
small semi-auto this holster was made for?

federali · #2 06-17-2017, 06:45 AM

That a J frame revolver is too large to enter the holster, I'm inclined to think that it was made for a semi-auto of some sort.

crazyphil · #3 06-17-2017, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by federali

That a J frame revolver is too large to enter the holster, I'm inclined to think that it was made for a semi-auto of some sort.

That was & is kinda my thought also federali.
The button on the strap makes me think it was made
quite some time ago, although it is new. I'm thinking
something like a Mauser or Walther PPK.

murphydog · #4 06-17-2017, 07:53 AM

With the overall length at just over 6" and fitting a semi-auto, I would guess a Colt 1903/1908 in .32/.380 ACP. (Not to mention the "PH" stamping, for Pocket Hammerless

).

crazyphil · #5 06-17-2017, 09:20 AM

That also crossed my mind murphy. Was Pocket Hammerless a name
that they used for that semi-auto?

2152hq · #6 06-17-2017, 09:41 AM

Pocket Hammerless 1903 (32) and 1908 (380) were Colt designations.
Might also fit a Star Model S (380) or I (32) semiuto though they are hammer guns. The LLama 'Especial' also a hammer gun (the mini 1911) might be a little short for the holster but fit ok.
Original Remington 51 is another old school 'pocket hammerless' type that may fit nicely. Very trim design like the Colt.

Neat holster for sure.

murphydog · #7 06-17-2017, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

That also crossed my mind murphy. Was Pocket Hammerless a name that they used for that semi-auto?

Yes, the 1903/1908 was the "Pocket Hammerless", the .25 ACP 1908 was the "Vest Pocket", and the earlier/larger .38 ACP was the "Pocket Hammer", unrelated to the later guns.

crazyphil · #8 06-17-2017, 09:57 AM

I think you nailed it murphy. Now I guess I will have to go find
a Colt Pocket Hammerless. Or give the holster to someone who
has the Colt. Thanks all.

-db- · #9 06-17-2017, 05:54 PM

I don't think the PH stands for Pocket Hammerless. The seller has a number of these holsters, all of them the same size, with different markings on the backside depending on the finish of the holster. Some read PH21, PH22, H22, H25, etc. but they appear to be the same basic holster.

crazyphil · #10 06-17-2017, 08:49 PM

My black one is PH21
The same holster for sale now in brown is PH22
And a tan one for sale H25. It looks a little smaller to me.
What is your best guess db?

-db- · #11 06-17-2017, 10:04 PM

Phil, I have no idea. I suspect it's just some kind of part number for whoever made the holsters.

les.b · #12 06-19-2017, 10:55 PM

Phil,

I will try to measure my Colt 1903 for you as soon as I can, but I'm at the cabin, and it's at the house. I'll bet that it will be the one, even if it's just a coincidence about the numbering. Fascinating stuff that you come up with.

Best Regards, Les