I believe it is generally accepted that the top three vintage
collectible holsters are those made by Heiser, Lawrence, and
Myres. (In alphabetical order)

I have enough of each of their holsters and I have studied them
enough to, in my opinion, and considering all things, to make an
educated opinion.

My ranking, with best at the top, would be:
1. Lawrence
2. Heiser
3. Myres

Just wondering how some of you Gurus would rank them.

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In Omnia Paratus

No guru but I would rank them opposite your ranking, primarily due to scarcity. Myres made a lot of holsters but not as many as Heiser, who didn't make as many as Lawrence (a quick eBay search confirms, the current numbers respectively: 12, 70, 126), thus Myres survivors will be harder to find. I also believe Myres' best work is equal to, if a not a cut above, both Heiser and Lawrence.

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SWHF #448

I would respectfully disagree with you. I think you are a Guru.

With respect to what you said about the ranking, a agee with
the scarcity factor, but I am considering all things.

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In Omnia Paratus

I guess that I put Myres first.
Probably because I have heard and read so much about them.
And I don't have one!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Myres of course would be number 1 of the 3 in my book, with Heiser 2nd and Lawrence 3rd.

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LEX ET ORDO

So far it looks as if I look at things a little differently,
but I appreciate all of your insight.

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In Omnia Paratus

Lawrence is on top for me as well,Their carving is on another level and what I aspire to replicate some Day.

Subjective vs. objective...
Lawrence lasted the longest as a business with actual ties to the original company.
Heiser was very big & marketed their products in other countries with foreign language catalogs.
Myres had a strong law enforcement cachet, a charismatic leader and the advantage of being in Texas.
I'm away from home but feel certain I could pull examples of each maker's work that would make ranking them very difficult.
Subjectively my vote goes to Myres. I ordered a Threepersons holster & belt rig from them when I was 16 that I still wear now & then, I've always admired their work.
Heiser seems to be the most sought after and higher priced maker.
Didn't exactly clear that up, did I ?
1. Myres
2. Heiser
3. Lawrence
Regards,
turnerriver

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turnerriver

Myres tops the list for me...the other two are about equal in my eyes.

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On the Oak Savannah

It's kinda like asking which of your children is your favorite. Very
difficult. John had a great idea. EXAMPLES. Here are some of my
examples, in alphabetical order, Left to Right:

A Heiser (actually V,L&A) #713 with my S&W Model 19 on a Mexican
cartridge belt.

A Lawrence 32FL with my 2" Model 10 on a Lawrence cartridge belt,
with a Bear knife.

A Myres #614 T3P with my Model 27 on a Haugen gunbelt, and
the Bear knife.

PS I know that John and many of you all have better examples
than these. Let's see some of your favorites from the big 3.

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__________________
In Omnia Paratus

1. Myres
2. Brill
3.Baranti. I know his work might not be considered vintage, however give it a few years and it will be. Get it now before it triples in price.

Just my opinion.

Doc's prices are already pretty steep,If they tripled in price a carved Holster would be $600...I don't see that happening anytime soon.Not hating on anyone,Just being realistic.

I always like the threads you start, Phil :-).

I believe your question was about collectibles, and yet you're also getting views on quality. Related yet quite different.

Of the three you've named, the carving of many/most Lawrence's is without equal. And right close is Heiser's. But Myres' carving is a distant third; sometimes downright crude by comparison.

But collectibilty? Top prices aren't paid for Lawrences*. And they are for Heiser, and for Myres, especially for the complete sets. I've lusted over many a carved Lawrence set but I don't buy because holsters just end up in a box to be re-sold eventually!

* Here I'm speaking of 'real' auctions where thousands are spent on a single leather set.

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

I have a late 30's Lawrence K22 holster and have sold My Heiser
for a SAA that I also sold. Never heard of Myers, so I can't comment. Quality wise I put Lawrence above Heiser. Anybody have any of the early (70's) Milt Sparks. Fantastic quality.

I think he meant after I'm dead!

If I were ranking them by carving it would be:

Lawrence
Heiser
Myres

If ranking them by style and execution/construction it would be:

Myres
Heiser
Lawrence

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Mike 'Doc' Barranti

I vote:
1. Myres
2. Heiser
3. Lawrence

Of course all the companies could have carvers that had a bad day or a great day! So, I am sure all 3 have awesome examples as well as poor examples.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!