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Old 10-10-2017, 01:05 AM
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Default How to counterfeit a Brill holster.

Lots of copies of the Brill out there, but none are exact replicas. That's because it's not a matter of giving an artist's rendition of a photo the maker saw once on the 'net, to replicate a Brill. Not least because there were two Brill 'eras'.

These pics show how to accurately reproduce a late-model (that is, post 1932 as imagined by its original creator, N.J. Rabensburg). To build an early-model Brill (that is, prior to 1932) one would need a different set of instructions.

Step one: buy a late-model Brill for at least a 4" DA revolver; a short-barrelled DA revolver (they're a very different design); a 4-3/4" SAA; and a 1911 (Rangers used the 38 Super auto version).

Step two: 'explode' them into what are called 'provenance patterns' from the leather pieces; so-called because they are your evidence (even for your own review) that they are original: the cardboard is glued to the leather, then cut to match without changes. This one is a Sessums (leather on the other side):

sessums angle 32 degsJPG (1).JPG

Step three: you'll need a pattern-driven chain stitch machine for the muzzle lip, chain stitch visible on the backside (see Step four image).

Step four: you'll need a thin vegetable tanned leather for the half or full lining, with a hard finish. Kangaroo is ideal, very likely Rabensburg used goatskin in 1 mm thickness.

brill da (16).jpg

Step five: note the comments on the images that follow.

brill da (14).jpg

brill da (15).jpg

brill da (17)a.jpg

Note: perfectly acceptable to use no logo on the cuff; or initials. Using the Brill stamp, though, is called 'passing off': sometimes illegal, always wrong.

Note 2: everyone has spotted the obvious 'trademark' methodology used for Brill basket stamping on both early and late Brills; no need to explain it here. There are no known 'plain' genuine Brills (although there were 6 other companies that made them under their own name, including Myres, and included plain finish).
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Old 10-10-2017, 03:50 AM
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My cow! Have one or two nice holsters. This is beyond anything I've ever seen except in pictures. Sometimes pictures go beyond 1,000 words. JMHO. Sincerely. bruce.
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Old 10-10-2017, 07:02 AM
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Well,
Designs get copied all the time.

I personal wouldn't want to counterfeit anything of any maker.

I sometimes take artistic license with my designs, but no knock-offs here.

And some of the better one's get improved upon.




* Note; I'm retired and only build special projects for myself and a few close friends.
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Old 10-10-2017, 10:22 AM
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....* Note; I'm retired and only build special projects for myself and a few close friends.
You and I need to get better acquainted....

Mark
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Old 10-10-2017, 01:23 PM
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I would love to make holsters, but don't have the equipment needed. I'm completely self sufficient in all aspects of my gun hobby, except holster making, so it has crossed my mind. Although, I have modified existing holsters to better suit my needs and make them better, half way there. Plus, I would be able to make it exactly how I want it.

Maybe one day. Thanks for the interesting instructions and tips though.
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Old 10-10-2017, 02:09 PM
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In this case the word counterfeit does not apply. Remember counterfeiting is a crime when it comes to money of propert that is protected by Trademark or Copyright law. In the case of a 1932 item no,longer inproduction those protections have expired. So, there was no counterfitting. The holster was legally recreated. Words matter
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Old 10-10-2017, 04:14 PM
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In this case the word counterfeit does not apply. Remember counterfeiting is a crime when it comes to money of propert that is protected by Trademark or Copyright law. In the case of a 1932 item no,longer inproduction those protections have expired. So, there was no counterfitting. The holster was legally recreated. Words matter
While I think you are correct in your description of counterfeiting an item that is protected by Trademarks or Copyrights. I think Fraud would be the proper word it you make an item and try to pass it off a genuine product but it is only a copy. I might be wrong since I am not a lawyer or prosecutor.

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Old 10-10-2017, 04:17 PM
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While I think you are correct in your description of counterfeiting an item that is protected by Trademarks or Copyrights I think Fraud would be the proper word it you make an item and try to pass it off a genuine product but it is only a copy. I might be wrong since I am not a lawyer or prosecutor.
I think you are correct. Attempting to pass off a reproduction as an original is fraud.
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Old 10-10-2017, 05:34 PM
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Well,
Designs get copied all the time.

I personal wouldn't want to counterfeit anything of any maker.

I sometimes take artistic license with my designs, but no knock-offs here.

And some of the better one's get improved upon.



* Note; I'm retired and only build special projects for myself and a few close friends.
I wondered when I made up my title. My use of the word 'counterfeit' was not intended as a shot at those of you that copy others' innovations (although this is). I chose the word because 'copying' is an inaccurate process; so is 'cloning'; whereas if one wanted to accurately reproduce (everyone claims to do this, not least El Paso Saddlery) a late-model Brill, one would have to know all these details to even begin to fool an expert. Not that anyone would admit to trying to fool an expert; though to an amateur they'd be happy to say that they could. One would be amazed at the b.s. I've had pitched at me by makers when they don't know who I am (notably the current chap at Alessi -- face to face!).

Not least, too, that the "accurate reproducer" (happier word?) would have to know (a) that there were two eras AND (b) the difference in their construction.

So: my post and my word was not intended as a 'shot' at anyone. But the reaction suggests that 'if the shoe fits, wear it'. That said, I really like your blend of Brill and Safariland (a Brilland? A Safari-Brill? I call mine a Brill-Persons because it looks like a Brill but is fitted out internally to behave like a Threepersons).

But, again, some are being too sensitive and it appears that I've hit a sore spot. My post was only to revel in the details that make up a real Brill of two different eras. I think, just for fun, I won't post up the second series and see if the experts can work it out on their own :-).

And: everyone admits to copying 'the greats' because these men (there are no women) are dead and can't object. But no one admits to copying the living giants because they can sue; instead they claim they were 'inspired' and 'made improvements' aka minor changes. This was the essence of my now-closed lawsuit against the current Milt Sparks company. Make up your own damned designs, is my motto :-). See, now one of MY sore spots has been hit.
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Old 10-10-2017, 05:42 PM
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I think you are correct. Attempting to pass off a reproduction as an original is fraud.
Say, I meant to mention 'product configuration trademarks'. I protect all my designs in this way. To grasp what a configuration trademark is, think of the 1911. If Colt had employed this protection (too bloody late now) there would be no Ruger or S&W clones of the 1911. I'd explain these trademarks but it might hit a nerve in someone; so y'all can look it up on, say, Wikipedia.

All intellectual property is truly protectable in only two ways, at least in USA (and again, my post about Brill was not intended to go that direction; but since it's been mentioned . . .) because every copyist will protest (that's obvious, I saw it once in '54, looks just like a girl's barette, etc.) and it all devolves to money.

Safariland's power in this regard, and Bianchi's back in the day, emanated from more than having a patent that might or might not be relevant; it was from having the market power to intimidate and overwhelm a small player. Conversely, Roy Baker had a patent but was powerless to enforce it: the market designed around it while not having to fight off expensive lawsuits.
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Old 10-10-2017, 06:00 PM
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I'm sorry but when i hear "brill" all i can think is "a little dab will do yah".
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Old 10-10-2017, 06:43 PM
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I wondered when I made up my title. My use of the word 'counterfeit' was not intended as a shot at those of you that copy others' innovations (although this is). I chose the word because 'copying' is an inaccurate process; so is 'cloning'; whereas if one wanted to accurately reproduce (everyone claims to do this, not least El Paso Saddlery) a late-model Brill, one would have to know all these details to even begin to fool an expert. Not that anyone would admit to trying to fool an expert; though to an amateur they'd be happy to say that they could. One would be amazed at the b.s. I've had pitched at me by makers when they don't know who I am (notably the current chap at Alessi -- face to face!).

Not least, too, that the "accurate reproducer" (happier word?) would have to know (a) that there were two eras AND (b) the difference in their construction.

So: my post and my word was not intended as a 'shot' at anyone. But the reaction suggests that 'if the shoe fits, wear it'. That said, I really like your blend of Brill and Safariland (a Brilland? A Safari-Brill? I call mine a Brill-Persons because it looks like a Brill but is fitted out internally to behave like a Threepersons).

But, again, some are being too sensitive and it appears that I've hit a sore spot. My post was only to revel in the details that make up a real Brill of two different eras. I think, just for fun, I won't post up the second series and see if the experts can work it out on their own :-).

And: everyone admits to copying 'the greats' because these men (there are no women) are dead and can't object. But no one admits to copying the living giants because they can sue; instead they claim they were 'inspired' and 'made improvements' aka minor changes. This was the essence of my now-closed lawsuit against the current Milt Sparks company. Make up your own damned designs, is my motto :-). See, now one of MY sore spots has been hit.
My design, I first built thirty or so years ago, for my own personal comfort.
Carrying a heavy revolver or full size 1911 Colt pistol, one needs it to ride right.
Seated in a vehicle or at a desk, it's just doesn't need to sore ya up.
This design carries higher and the dwell is tighter than the ol threepersons design.
I found the TP allows the pistol butt to swing away from the belt...allowing the handgun
to bang on ever gate post or door jam around.

Also, I have found that for revolvers, the slimmer front edge,
achieved by the sewn edge, as opposed to a fold over,
made for better concealment under a jacket.
Personally, I just like the round closed toe.

The garter or cuff is a convenient means of controlling the belt tunnel width.

But, when ya really look at it.......There is really nothing new under the sun.

The backside of the above pictured holster, has a belt loop slot.
So again, nothing new.



.

I don't know anything about any law suits, or any such goings on.

Hell fire, it's all jest a lit'l leather cobbling anyhows.

.
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Old 10-10-2017, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by keith44spl View Post
My design, I first built thirty or so years ago, for my own personal comfort.
Carrying a heavy revolver or full size 1911 Colt pistol, one needs it to ride right.
Seated in a vehicle or at a desk, it's just doesn't need to sore ya up.
This design carries higher and the dwell is tighter than the ol threepersons design.
I found the TP allows the pistol butt to swing away from the belt...allowing the handgun
to bang on ever gate post or door jam around.

Also, I have found that for revolvers, the slimmer front edge,
achieved by the sewn edge, as opposed to a fold over,
made for better concealment under a jacket.
Personally, I just like the round closed toe.

The garter or cuff is a convenient means of controlling the belt tunnel width.

But, when ya really look at it.......There is really nothing new under the sun.

The backside of the above pictured holster, has a belt loop slot.
So again, nothing new.



.

I don't know anything about any law suits, or any such goings on.

Hell fire, it's all jest a lit'l leather cobbling anyhows.

.
Very nice. I'd take one of them over a Brill any day.
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Old 10-11-2017, 04:52 AM
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Originally Posted by keith44spl View Post
My design, I first built thirty or so years ago, for my own personal comfort.
Carrying a heavy revolver or full size 1911 Colt pistol, one needs it to ride right.
Seated in a vehicle or at a desk, it's just doesn't need to sore ya up.
This design carries higher and the dwell is tighter than the ol threepersons design.
I found the TP allows the pistol butt to swing away from the belt...allowing the handgun
to bang on ever gate post or door jam around.

Also, I have found that for revolvers, the slimmer front edge,
achieved by the sewn edge, as opposed to a fold over,
made for better concealment under a jacket.
Personally, I just like the round closed toe.

The garter or cuff is a convenient means of controlling the belt tunnel width.

But, when ya really look at it.......There is really nothing new under the sun.

The backside of the above pictured holster, has a belt loop slot.
So again, nothing new.



.

I don't know anything about any law suits, or any such goings on.

Hell fire, it's all jest a lit'l leather cobbling anyhows.

.
We could easily have a vigorous discussion about all of that but I'd rather not! I'll just be glad to get back to how a Brill copy can be made better (mine is neither authentic or for sale.)
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Old 10-11-2017, 06:37 AM
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We could easily have a vigorous discussion about all of that but I'd rather not! I'll just be glad to get back to how a Brill copy can be made better (mine is neither authentic or for sale.)
Red,

Here's the thing.........Who would want to counterfeit Brill?

I'd like to see a photo of your holster(s)..........I really would.

All My Best,
Dave
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Old 10-11-2017, 07:57 AM
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Red,

Here's the thing.........Who would want to counterfeit Brill?

I'd like to see a photo of your holster(s)..........I really would.

All My Best,
Dave
I am fortunate enough to have one coming. I will post photos
when it gets here. You 2 guys are both two of the best living
leather artists. I have specimens of both your endeavors, and
they are top notch.
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Old 10-11-2017, 04:51 PM
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Red,

Here's the thing.........Who would want to counterfeit Brill?

I'd like to see a photo of your holster(s)..........I really would.

All My Best,
Dave
Dave, I only chose the title for reasons of whimsy. It was meant to result in two posts, to point out the differences between early and late Brills; and how there are never any variants of even the smallest nature in the originals within those eras. This allows us to date them in an era when our resource material misdirects us into thinking that August began making the Brill holster in the 19th century. Which he didn't; it's very likely that he personally never made any of them at all. And that led to the erroneous claim in a major auction of Butch Cassidy's Colt SAA, that the Brill with it belonged to Butch; which it couldn't have.

That is the historical point. The contemporary point was that modern copies are superficial and there is a lot of science in the originals that is left out of them. Brills are not a 'style' so much as an artefact. All good fun.
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Old 10-12-2017, 05:57 AM
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Red,
I've been ponderin' this here Brill design and thinkin on
a few improvement to the original design for a short spell now.

From a basic engineering stand point, what with modern adhesives and
nylon threads and better quality tanned leathers to choose from, an
improved version would be interesting.

I have a custom N frame 44 Special in the works, and it'll need a custom holster.
So, I guess I'd cobble myself up a brand new fancy 'Brill' jest for sport.

All My Best,
Dave
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Old 10-12-2017, 08:02 AM
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I have a custom N frame 44 Special in the works, and it'll need a custom holster.

So, I guess I'd cobble myself up a brand new fancy 'Brill' jest for sport.

All My Best,
Dave
I, for one, will look forward to seeing it! Been an admirer of your work since I joined this forum.
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Old 10-12-2017, 08:18 PM
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Red,
I've been ponderin' this here Brill design and thinkin on
a few improvement to the original design for a short spell now.

From a basic engineering stand point, what with modern adhesives and
nylon threads and better quality tanned leathers to choose from, an
improved version would be interesting.

I have a custom N frame 44 Special in the works, and it'll need a custom holster.
So, I guess I'd cobble myself up a brand new fancy 'Brill' jest for sport.

All My Best,
Dave
You know there will a test, right? 1-5 gold stars and only 5 stars will be a passing grade :-).
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Old 10-12-2017, 08:40 PM
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I am fortunate enough to have one coming. I will post photos
when it gets here. You 2 guys are both two of the best living
leather artists. I have specimens of both your endeavors, and
they are top notch.
Phil is quite the diplomat. Maybe one of us should be insulted :-).

Here's my Brill Persons, which is not a replica as I don't use any of N.J. Rabensurg's 'markers'. Instead it's a 20th century update like a car that looks like a '56 'Vette but with a 2017 'Vette engine under the bonnet.

Pics tell the tale but some words are in order. Improvements include:

1. the cuff has been shrunk into place while wet, with forced-air heat, to squeeze the welt area.
2. the cuff is screw removable. This allows the upper edges to be trimmed for a wider belt (this one is fitted up for 1-1/2" width).
3. inside is a full-length sight protector for both front and rear sights. It's extruded elastomer and adds to the 'threepersons effect' for retention, too. A single central stitchline, twice in same holes, attaches it; which allows the free edges to adjust to suit the pistol.
4. inside is a rubber spacer held in place with a massive screw post that is not screw-adjustable. This does more than provide a positive stop for any trigger guard including hooked; it creates a 'threepersons effect' by providing friction against the dust cover, with or without rail.
5. the welt is a first for me (not saying I invented it; I'm saying it's the first time I've thought of doing it): wetted, bent into shape, dried; then glued into the seam. 16 ounces.
6. the fender is a separate panel that is stitched to form the top of the belt loop. Far better cutting economy; what were the Brills thinking?
7. sculpted to clear the knuckle of the second finger, in two places on the holster pocket; the fender is still full width because the belt pulls it out of the way.
8. fully lined with kangaroo leather in veg tanned with a waterproof finish. The fender, too; tho the construction would enable it to be unlined. I believe Brills had half-lined pockets and fully lined fenders to prevent rubbing the trousers with the flesh side (otherwise, why bother to line the holster only on one side; couldn't be to protect only one side of the cylinder).
9. basket weave pattern intentionally is contemporary rather than Brill style.
10. teenut construction, all stainless screws etc., for servicing.

Brill Persons (1).jpg

Brill Persons (2).jpg

Brill Persons (4).jpg

Brill Persons (5).jpg

Brill-Persons holsters are not available for purchase; I make them only as gifts for friends and Phil got the first one :-). Another friend who is not on the forum will get the second, in brown, also for the auto. Reckon I'll do the SAA after that.
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Old 10-12-2017, 09:18 PM
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Originally Posted by keith44spl View Post
Well,
Designs get copied all the time.

I personal wouldn't want to counterfeit anything of any maker.

I sometimes take artistic license with my designs, but no knock-offs here.

And some of the better one's get improved upon.




* Note; I'm retired and only build special projects for myself and a few close friends.

Dave , that is beyond beautiful . I need one , do you have any openings for New close friends ?

Eddie

PS : Edited because Stunning actually describes it better !
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Old 10-13-2017, 09:14 AM
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If Rabensburg made the first one wasn't Brill copying Rabensburg?
Wasn't Rabensburg, in a way, copying Captain Hughes (instructions)?
Everyone copies someone. Copying is the highest form of flattery.
The more you are copied the more you are flattered. (complimented)
I'm going to call all of them "Sunday Holsters". Without Captain Hughes
there wouldn't be any of them.

BTW I never intended to insult anyone. "two of the best" suggests
there are others. I hope I didn't insult any of them.
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Old 10-13-2017, 04:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyphil View Post
If Rabensburg made the first one wasn't Brill copying Rabensburg?
Wasn't Rabensburg, in a way, copying Captain Hughes (instructions)?
Everyone copies someone. Copying is the highest form of flattery.
The more you are copied the more you are flattered. (complimented)
I'm going to call all of them "Sunday Holsters". Without Captain Hughes
there wouldn't be any of them.

BTW I never intended to insult anyone. "two of the best" suggests
there are others. I hope I didn't insult any of them.
Of course you didn't insult anyone Phil; it's simply not in you :-).

Everyone doesn't copy someone, though, unless one subscribes to the ridiculous notion that 'there are only so many ways to bend leather' -- meaning if it's folded at the front, or folded at the back, etc., one has copied someone who did that before.

A Brill is a Threepersons with a cuff 'round it. But the Brill was first. Yet a Threepersons is simple and functional and survived to the present day in the arsenals of lawmen, and the Brill did not.

All patents are, literally, "on the improvement" per the USPTO. That organisation recognises that there is 'nothing new under the sun'. Yet was the fax machine a copy of something? The Apple phone? The internet? The polio vaccine because vaccines existed already? Jet fighters because they had two wings?

So, although there were holsters made in two pieces before Neale's Safariland with SightTrack, it had never been done precisely in that way. Ditto with my SightStrip and I had to take Gould & Goodrich to court (I won) to prove the point. For us inventors, the world is full of ordinary people who will argue about these things rather than simply, go their own way :-).
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Old 10-18-2017, 01:00 AM
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Red - man I just love reading your posts. Especially when it comes to the historical record of holsters and the engineering process. That is one sweet looking holster. Simply an extravagant blend of form and function by bringing together facets of various design into a single work of art. Great integration of the sight track and rubber spacer. Well done.
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Old 10-22-2017, 05:23 AM
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Post 21 shows a black Brillpersons for the auto; this is a brown version that another friend asked for:

2017-10-18 06.55.03.jpg

Remember, I do not sell these; they are only given as gifts to friends.
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Old 10-22-2017, 10:21 AM
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Look, I made a genuine Bryl holster too! Remember, I do not sell these either, they are only given as gifts to friends
: )

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Old 01-16-2018, 10:18 PM
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In reviewing image folders I was reminded, that it appears that there were no early Brills with the Brill mark in the centre of the cuff, that were Mexican carved.

Here's a late Brill by Rabensburg, I think the image is turnerriver's (someone please correct me if I've got the owner wrong):

brill auto (9).jpg
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Old 01-17-2018, 01:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rednichols View Post
Phil is quite the diplomat. Maybe one of us should be insulted :-).

Here's my Brill Persons, which is not a replica as I don't use any of N.J. Rabensurg's 'markers'. Instead it's a 20th century update like a car that looks like a '56 'Vette but with a 2017 'Vette engine under the bonnet.

Pics tell the tale but some words are in order. Improvements include:

1. the cuff has been shrunk into place while wet, with forced-air heat, to squeeze the welt area.
2. the cuff is screw removable. This allows the upper edges to be trimmed for a wider belt (this one is fitted up for 1-1/2" width).
3. inside is a full-length sight protector for both front and rear sights. It's extruded elastomer and adds to the 'threepersons effect' for retention, too. A single central stitchline, twice in same holes, attaches it; which allows the free edges to adjust to suit the pistol.
4. inside is a rubber spacer held in place with a massive screw post that is not screw-adjustable. This does more than provide a positive stop for any trigger guard including hooked; it creates a 'threepersons effect' by providing friction against the dust cover, with or without rail.
5. the welt is a first for me (not saying I invented it; I'm saying it's the first time I've thought of doing it): wetted, bent into shape, dried; then glued into the seam. 16 ounces.
6. the fender is a separate panel that is stitched to form the top of the belt loop. Far better cutting economy; what were the Brills thinking?
7. sculpted to clear the knuckle of the second finger, in two places on the holster pocket; the fender is still full width because the belt pulls it out of the way.
8. fully lined with kangaroo leather in veg tanned with a waterproof finish. The fender, too; tho the construction would enable it to be unlined. I believe Brills had half-lined pockets and fully lined fenders to prevent rubbing the trousers with the flesh side (otherwise, why bother to line the holster only on one side; couldn't be to protect only one side of the cylinder).
9. basket weave pattern intentionally is contemporary rather than Brill style.
10. teenut construction, all stainless screws etc., for servicing.

Attachment 306995

Attachment 306996

Attachment 306997

Attachment 306998

Brill-Persons holsters are not available for purchase; I make them only as gifts for friends and Phil got the first one :-). Another friend who is not on the forum will get the second, in brown, also for the auto. Reckon I'll do the SAA after that.

Red,

Nice job....

The construction of your rig, kinda favors the old Gould & Goodrich duty holsters that was issued to a lot of departments.

What with all them screws, I'd bet you had a hand in designing those too.




Brill/Persons,





Su Amigo,
Dave
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Old 01-18-2018, 04:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by keith44spl View Post
Red,

Nice job....

The construction of your rig, kinda favors the old Gould & Goodrich duty holsters that was issued to a lot of departments.

What with all them screws, I'd bet you had a hand in designing those too.




Brill/Persons,





Su Amigo,
Dave
Not directly, but indirectly :-). The original jacket belt loop was invented, and patented, by Paul Boren at Safety Speed. His spring metal shank was bent into a flat 'U' at one end and that was inserted into a slot in the backside of the holster. His two rivets then went through both the main shank, and the free end of the U on the inside. Really strong! At Bianchi we tried to compete with some really lame efforts until we finally settled on the three rivets -- and still had some failures. Got tired of that and switched to a solid rivet that was 'headed' with a German orbital riveter.

On the Brillpersons, the assembly is not a triangle of strength. The upper two simply replace the hand sewing of a real Brill, and the lower one the stitching of the lip of the holster muzzle to the fender.

Admittedly FAR stronger than the Brill. But how strong does it have to be? The real 'secret' -- it's not a secret -- is the hidden 3/8" steel post that passes through the holster beneath the cuff, front and back, and is covered inside by a 3/4" rubber grommet. The trigger guard does more than rest on this grommet; it is placed to create friction on the underside of the dust shield for general retention.

A more modern version is my Speed Triple (n/a for the Glock, this was made up for my armourer who carries one and I can count on not to shoot until it clears leather). On this one the trigger guard support is obvious and strengthens the holster. Inside, too, is my patented SightStrip sight protector; it will accommodate the big sights of optics pistols and silencer-ready pistols.

4 optics (1).jpg

4 optics (2).jpg

4 optics (4).jpg

5 glock (3).jpg

5 glock (4).jpg
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Old 01-18-2018, 04:22 PM
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Thank you for the detailed reply........

Just out of curiosity, what does one of your Brill/Persons
for say a gov't model 1911, what does the holster weigh?

Many Thanks,
Dave
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Old 01-18-2018, 04:51 PM
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David, since I have numero uno Brill-Persons I can try to answer your
question. The scales I used are for human beans, so don't know how
accurate for smaller objects.

The Brill-Persons by Red, on the left, about 6 oz.
The Brill look by David, on the right, about 3 oz.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg SAM_0769.jpg (95.9 KB, 26 views)
File Type: jpg SAM_0626.jpg (125.1 KB, 30 views)
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Old 01-18-2018, 05:29 PM
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Thanks Phil.


Su Amigo,
Dave
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Old 01-19-2018, 08:10 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clang444 View Post
Look, I made a genuine Bryl holster too! Remember, I do not sell these either, they are only given as gifts to friends
: )

Now that we have all the insulting out of the way, I prefer my friend Red's holster to yours, even though I'm sure yours is an original. :-)

Have a blessed day,

Leon
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Old 01-24-2018, 11:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rednichols View Post
Phil is quite the diplomat. Maybe one of us should be insulted :-).

Here's my Brill Persons, which is not a replica as I don't use any of N.J. Rabensurg's 'markers'. Instead it's a 20th century update like a car that looks like a '56 'Vette but with a 2017 'Vette engine under the bonnet.

Pics tell the tale but some words are in order. Improvements include:

1. the cuff has been shrunk into place while wet, with forced-air heat, to squeeze the welt area.
2. the cuff is screw removable. This allows the upper edges to be trimmed for a wider belt (this one is fitted up for 1-1/2" width).
3. inside is a full-length sight protector for both front and rear sights. It's extruded elastomer and adds to the 'threepersons effect' for retention, too. A single central stitchline, twice in same holes, attaches it; which allows the free edges to adjust to suit the pistol.
4. inside is a rubber spacer held in place with a massive screw post that is not screw-adjustable. This does more than provide a positive stop for any trigger guard including hooked; it creates a 'threepersons effect' by providing friction against the dust cover, with or without rail.
5. the welt is a first for me (not saying I invented it; I'm saying it's the first time I've thought of doing it): wetted, bent into shape, dried; then glued into the seam. 16 ounces.
6. the fender is a separate panel that is stitched to form the top of the belt loop. Far better cutting economy; what were the Brills thinking?
7. sculpted to clear the knuckle of the second finger, in two places on the holster pocket; the fender is still full width because the belt pulls it out of the way.
8. fully lined with kangaroo leather in veg tanned with a waterproof finish. The fender, too; tho the construction would enable it to be unlined. I believe Brills had half-lined pockets and fully lined fenders to prevent rubbing the trousers with the flesh side (otherwise, why bother to line the holster only on one side; couldn't be to protect only one side of the cylinder).
9. basket weave pattern intentionally is contemporary rather than Brill style.
10. teenut construction, all stainless screws etc., for servicing.

Attachment 306995

Attachment 306996

Attachment 306997

Attachment 306998

Brill-Persons holsters are not available for purchase; I make them only as gifts for friends and Phil got the first one :-). Another friend who is not on the forum will get the second, in brown, also for the auto. Reckon I'll do the SAA after that.

A right hand Brill-Persens for a 4 3/4" Colt SAA would be splendid!
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