Picked up this old holster at the Phoenix Ice House Show.
Not sure what it was designed to fit, but I kinda' like the way it holds a 1911. Can't find a makers mark anywhere.

Attached Images

Brill Holster.jpg (106.6 KB, 154 views)

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

That is a beauty! Looks brand new.

I don't think it's a Brill. Red will probably weigh in on this, and he is
the undisputed authority on all things Brill.

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In Omnia Paratus

Thanks Phil - I'm sure it's not a real Brill, but is of good quality.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

A.W. Brill is probably one of the most often copied holster makers of the 20th Century. The reasons for that include the artistry of his designs and the functional integrity of his products.

Imitation is said to be the most sincere form of flattery. I suspect that Mr. Brill's work formed the basis for more than a few small producers, especially in Texas and the southwest states where he was most well known.

I like it Leo! It makes that old 1911 shine!

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Tim
SWCA #2697

My guess is a 5" fixed sighted N frame would be a better fit. It appears to be about the same size as a Brill style holster I have that, while a 1911 will fit (snugly), my 5" HD is the perfect fit.

Could we see more pics of the back and the welt, and maybe one that shows how it's stitched at the toe?

Here's a pic of the one I was talking about...


Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

Personally I don't need those images :-). I know exactly what the backside looks like because it is an 'early' Brill 1910s to 1930s. That it hasn't a Brill marking on the cuff suggests it is either marked on the back of the fender, as Butch Cassidy's is (yes, I know, Butch was dead in 1912) or not at all. Either way it is an uncommon one because it is not a copy; it is a Brill original.

Correct, of course, that it is for a 5" S&W 44 frame. We've discussed here how that and the 1911 fit exactly in the same holster; but a Brill for the .38 Super Automatic always has its trigger exposed. So your combination, OP, only looks correct because you're seeing it with 21st century eyes. In Brills day that was entirely 'wrong'.

These are not my pics but belong to others:

brill auto (1).jpg an early for the 1911

brill auto (2).jpg its backside

brill da.jpg a late for a DA revolver.

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

Looks like we were both wrong LEO918. If Red says it's a
Brill, it must be a Brill. And it looks like a real nice one too.
Congratulations!

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In Omnia Paratus

Thanks very much for the insight Red and Phil.
Red, you are correct Sir. A 5" barreled revolver fits perfectly!!
I guess I got my $30 worth.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

Wanna double your money?

That is a very nice find. If I didn't have one already, I would run out an d buy a 5" N Frame just for that holster.

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On the Oak Savannah

A $300 dollar holster for $30. Not bad at all.

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In Omnia Paratus

Made then by eighteen Texas makers that we know of. Research by the team suggests that the copying was the result of Ranger Capt Hughes using the original in the manner of Johnny Appleseed and taking it 'round to every saddler in a 200 mile radius of Austin so Rangers could get them anywhere. The evidence is that Brill was just one of the many and that he did not create it. All are made to to the same formula including the thin half liner at a time when holsters were not lined. It was Elmer Keith who explained its purpose: to prevent wear on the pants. Seeing now all of Tom Threepersons' revolvers (there are three plus his Winchester) cowboys did not take care of their pistols' finishes so wouldn't have wished for holster linings as one does today. All four plus many more gunfighter guns will be in The Book, planned printing within a few months' time.

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Red Nichols The Holstorian