UPDATE EUBANKS BEAUTY STORY

crazyphil · #1 08-22-2019, 06:26 PM

Back on August 12th I received an email from my friend, and
personal critic, Red Nichols. He alerted me to a carved and laced
Eubanks that, as Red told me, "has your name all over it".

Seller said it was made for a Colt with 7.5" barrel. (I should
have believed him). On the back was a large F which I took
to mean Frontier model. Red noticed that it has a rear sight
block causing him to think it may have been made for a double
action revolver. But that must have been an optical illusion
because there is no sight block.

Thinking about the F and the sight block, and a bit of research,
I came to the conclusion that maybe the holster was made for
Colt's 1878 Frontier model double action revolver.

One problem though. The 1878 Frontier did not have an
adjustable rear sight. However, the New Model Frontier model,
that came out in 1961, was offered with an adjustable Eliason
rear sight. The New Frontier was Colt response to Ruger
eating Colt's lunch with their Blackhawk.

With no idea if I have a gun, or can find a gun, to fit the holster,
I went ahead, the last minute, and threw in a max bid of a
hundred bucks. That did it. I won the auction, and for a lot
less than my max bid.

Here it is. It is kind of a cordovan color, so I matched it with
my Texas Gunslinger belt that is about the same color and is
also carved. The knife is a Bear and it's sheath also matches
the holster and the belt color. Of course, as usual, my Open
Road Stetson wanted to be in the picture.

Red often refers to me as luckyphil instead of crazyphil. I just
prefer to think of myself as blessed. Anyway, I thought I
lucked out again. I have a New Model Ruger Super Blackhawk
in .44 Mag. that is almost identical to the New Frontier. I say
almost because the Ruger is about 3/8" longer, 1/2" higher,
and about 3 oz. heavier than the Colt.

That 1/2" higher that I mentioned ruled out the Blackhawk.
The subject holster is 4" across the mouth opening. Holsters
that the Blackhawk fit in are 4.5" across the mouth opening.

So, the Blackhawk wouldn't fit. I tried the 1860 Army, but
of course the barrel is a bit too long. My model 10 kinda fits,
but the barrel is only 4". The 1873 Colt's Peacemaker is
probably the best fit of anything that I have, but the barrel
is 4.75". It's looking like there might be a Colt's Cavalry
model in my future.

Photo on the left and 2nd from left are as it looked coming
out of the package.
3rd photo is after I cleaned it up and shined it a bit.

boykinlp · #2 08-22-2019, 11:33 PM

Phil,
Great looking holster, and sounds like quite a value for a large carved and laced holster. I have never seen a Eubanks holster that large before. Thanks for sharing.
Larry

crazyphil · #3 08-23-2019, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boykinlp

Phil,
Great looking holster, and sounds like quite a value for a large carved and laced holster. I have never seen a Eubanks holster that large before. Thanks for sharing.
Larry

That's also only the 2nd carved Eubanks I have ever encountered.
I have the other one too. It's black.

GerSan69 · #4 08-23-2019, 09:18 AM

If nothing else, you have a reason to get a new gun. What's better than that, though, is it's where it'll be appreciated!

crazyphil · #5 08-23-2019, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerSan69

If nothing else, you have a reason to get a new gun. What's better than that, though, is it's where it'll be appreciated!

Thanks. This is not the first time I have had to buy a gun
to go with a holster. Just call me crazy.

bulletslap · #6 08-23-2019, 11:07 AM

That is a nice looking old Eubanks.

I have a question about the Texas Gunslinger Belt, is it a decent belt in your opinion? The price on them looks to good to be true.

I am sure it is embossed ?

Thanks.

crazyphil · #7 08-23-2019, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bulletslap

That is a nice looking old Eubanks.

I have a question about the Texas Gunslinger Belt, is it a decent belt in your opinion? The price on them looks to good to be true.

I am sure it is embossed ?

Thanks.

It is suede lined which can be good or bad. I don't care for
suede lining very much. The carving could be embossed, but
if it is it's pretty good. All in all it's a good gun belt, and as
you noted, especially for the price.

UPDATE!!!! Carved or embossed? I went back to the sellers
information. It says "uniquely hand tooled...not machine stamped"
Whatever that means.

rednichols · #8 08-23-2019, 03:20 PM

Gorgeous! I did say you would have the pleasure of laughing, and pointing, at me if I was wrong; and that third pic proves I was! Well done, THAT is a going to be a gorgeous combination with an SAA in it. Lucky Phil, not Crazy Phil :-).

crazyphil · #9 08-23-2019, 04:43 PM

I ordered a nickeled Cavalry model SAA replica today with 7.5" barrel.
I'll post again if it fits.

REM 3200 · #10 08-23-2019, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

I ordered a nickeled Cavalry model SAA replica today with 7.5" barrel.
I'll post again if it fits.

Then you can go to any BBQ in style.

millerj7 · #11 08-23-2019, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

Back on August 12th I received an email from my friend, and
personal critic, Red Nichols. He alerted me to a carved and laced
Eubanks that, as Red told me, "has your name all over it".

Seller said it was made for a Colt with 7.5" barrel. (I should
have believed him). On the back was a large F which I took
to mean Frontier model. Red noticed that it has a rear sight
block causing him to think it may have been made for a double
action revolver. But that must have been an optical illusion
because there is no sight block.

Thinking about the F and the sight block, and a bit of research,
I came to the conclusion that maybe the holster was made for
Colt's 1878 Frontier model double action revolver.

One problem though. The 1878 Frontier did not have an
adjustable rear sight. However, the New Model Frontier model,
that came out in 1961, was offered with an adjustable Eliason
rear sight. The New Frontier was Colt response to Ruger
eating Colt's lunch with their Blackhawk.

With no idea if I have a gun, or can find a gun, to fit the holster,
I went ahead, the last minute, and threw in a max bid of a
hundred bucks. That did it. I won the auction, and for a lot
less than my max bid.

Here it is. It is kind of a cordovan color, so I matched it with
my Texas Gunslinger belt that is about the same color and is
also carved. The knife is a Bear and it's sheath also matches
the holster and the belt color. Of course, as usual, my Open
Road Stetson wanted to be in the picture.

Red often refers to me as luckyphil instead of crazyphil. I just
prefer to think of myself as blessed. Anyway, I thought I
lucked out again. I have a New Model Ruger Super Blackhawk
in .44 Mag. that is almost identical to the New Frontier. I say
almost because the Ruger is about 3/8" longer, 1/2" higher,
and about 3 oz. heavier than the Colt.

That 1/2" higher that I mentioned ruled out the Blackhawk.
The subject holster is 4" across the mouth opening. Holsters
that the Blackhawk fit in are 4.5" across the mouth opening.

So, the Blackhawk wouldn't fit. I tried the 1860 Army, but
of course the barrel is a bit too long. My model 10 kinda fits,
but the barrel is only 4". The 1873 Colt's Peacemaker is
probably the best fit of anything that I have, but the barrel
is 4.75". It's looking like there might be a Colt's Cavalry
model in my future.

Photo on the left and 2nd from left are as it looked coming
out of the package.
3rd photo is after I cleaned it up and shined it a bit.

Don't know about Eubanks (I have a couple flap holsters for K-frames) but an "F" indicated Floral Carving (which kind of makes sense) on a Geo. Lawrence holster, I believe. In any case, a wonderful hunk of leather!

Walter Rego · #12 08-23-2019, 08:10 PM

That's a nice holster crazyphil. Here is another Eubanks Model 820. It is marked on the toe Eubanks Leather 820 45 7 1/2 so there was little doubt what it was for when I bid on it.

SWTIM255 · #13 08-23-2019, 08:23 PM

That is one great looking holster.
I have this one, stamp puts it into the 1st couple years of production.
Taking it to the gun show this weekend, maybe I can find what it was made to fit.

crazyphil · #14 08-24-2019, 02:00 AM

Millerj7 that big F makes perfect sense meaning floral. It never even
occurred to me.

Walter Rego that is a real beauty you have. Is the toe open?

SWTIM255 I would guess N frames, but then Red doesn't like
it when I guess.

Walter Rego · #15 08-24-2019, 05:00 PM

Crazyphil, yes open toe on my No. 820 Eubanks

crazyphil · #16 08-24-2019, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walter Rego

Crazyphil, yes open toe on my No. 820 Eubanks

I thought it looked like it was open. My 820 toe is closed.

crazyphil · #17 08-25-2019, 09:49 PM

UPDATE:
When Colt's Single Action Army (SAA) came out in 1873, it was chambered
for the new .45 caliber Colt cartridge, and it had the 7.5" barrel. It was
immediately adopted by the Cavalry, in fact the Cavalry name stuck to the
7.5" model, and remained Army issue from 1873 until 1892.

The 5.5" barrel model didn't come out until 1875, and the 4.75" model
until 1879.

More than 37,000 went to the Army. About 10 times that number were
made in total, with sales worldwide. Almost from the very beginning a
nickel finish was offered as an option for civilian purchasers. Between
1895 and 1903 most of the Army model barrels were cut down to 5.5"
and were referred to as Artillery models.

I went to Colt's web page to check out availability of the Cavalry model.
They were only $1,799 dollars, but fortunately for me, they were out of
stock. It really wouldn't make sense to pay that much for a gun to just
put in a sixty dollar holster.

Went shopping and settled on a Denix Old West Replica M1873 Cavalry
Single Action Non Firing, with nickel plating. Amazon's description:
"The 1873 replica gun captures the classic feel of an old west cavalry
single action revolver. The action works like the original. It has a shiny
nickel finish and wood grips. No, it does not have the orange tip."
Of 26 customers reviews, 92% gave it 5 stars and 8% gave it 4 stars.
The look and the specs are close to the real McCoy:

Denix 1873 Colt Cavalry
overall length 13" 13"
height 5" 5.1"
width 1.8" 1.5"
weight 2.25# 2.3#
barrel 7.5" 7.5"
cost $ 66 $ 1,999

The gun and Eubanks holster will be assigned to duty hanging on my
office wall with my other replicas, so the decision was easy. Here
are a few photos from left to right:

The Denix Old West Cavalry Replica with Eubanks holster along side.

The Denix in the Eubanks holster with Texas Gunslinger belt.
The silver Navajo belt buckle by Nezzi.
Bear knife & sheath, and the open road Stetson.

My office wall left to right:

Kentucky Flintlock with sash and loop holster.

1860 Army Colt with military flap holster, belt, & Bowie style knife.

1873 Peacemaker 4.75" barrel in replica of Tom Threeperson's
original holster, and belt, both gifts from my friend Red Nichols.

The Denix Old West Cavalry replica in the Eubanks holster.

rednichols · #18 08-25-2019, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

UPDATE:
When Colt's Single Action Army (SAA) came out in 1873, it was chambered
for the new .45 caliber Colt cartridge, and it had the 7.5" barrel. It was
immediately adopted by the Cavalry, in fact the Cavalry name stuck to the
7.5" model, and remained Army issue from 1873 until 1892.

The 5.5" barrel model didn't come out until 1875, and the 4.75" model
until 1879.

More than 37,000 went to the Army. About 10 times that number were
made in total, with sales worldwide. Almost from the very beginning a
nickel finish was offered as an option for civilian purchasers. Between
1895 and 1903 most of the Army model barrels were cut down to 5.5"
and were referred to as Artillery models.

I went to Colt's web page to check out availability of the Cavalry model.
They were only $1,799 dollars, but fortunately for me, they were out of
stock. It really wouldn't make sense to pay that much for a gun to just
put in a sixty dollar holster.

Went shopping and settled on a Denix Old West Replica M1873 Cavalry
Single Action Non Firing, with nickel plating. Amazon's description:
"The 1873 replica gun captures the classic feel of an old west cavalry
single action revolver. The action works like the original. It has a shiny
nickel finish and wood grips. No, it does not have the orange tip."
Of 26 customers reviews, 92% gave it 5 stars and 8% gave it 4 stars.
The look and the specs are close to the real McCoy:

Denix 1873 Colt Cavalry
overall length 13" 13"
height 5" 5.1"
width 1.8" 1.5"
weight 2.25# 2.3#
barrel 7.5" 7.5"
cost $ 66 $ 1,999

The gun and Eubanks holster will be assigned to duty hanging on my
office wall with my other replicas, so the decision was easy. Here
are a few photos from left to right:

The Denix Old West Cavalry Replica.

The Denix in the Eubanks holster with other accessories.

My office wall left to right:

1860 Army Colt,

1873 Peacemaker 4.75" barrel in replica of Tom Threeperson's
original holster, and belt, both gifts from my friend Red Nichols.

The Denix Old West Cavalry replica in the Eubanks holster.

Very, very nice replica. And now, despite the Second Amendment that you have and I don't (not while I'm here, anyway) you and I are 'kinda equal': I also have a replica in my genuine Tom Threepersons holster, too, because I can't have a real one. But you can! Odd, hey?

restored (8).jpg

crazyphil · #19 08-26-2019, 03:25 AM

Notice there is no retention strap on Nichol's Threeperson's replica. Don't
need one. Perfect tension fit. The Denix fits in the Eubanks about the same.
Don't know why the retention strap. It's not really needed.
I suspect it's an add-on. Some previous owner may have had a gun that
wasn't a perfect fit.

rednichols · #20 08-26-2019, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

Notice there is no retention strap on Nichol's Threeperson's replica. Don't
need one. Perfect tension fit. The Denix fits in the Eubanks about the same.
Don't know why the retention strap. It's not really needed.
I suspect it's an add-on. Some previous owner may have had a gun that
wasn't a perfect fit.

That the strap is inserted through a slot through the backside of the holster, and riveted, suggests it is factory. Remember that even the very first production Threepersons Style Holsters came with safety straps. From Sam's 1931 catalog that was printed early in 1930 (has an early 1930 letter from Tom inside it):

1931 myres (3).jpg

One of Eubanks' competitors was Lawrence and of course their Keith holster had a safety strap as standard. 1945:

1945 lawrence (2).jpg

Igiveup · #21 08-27-2019, 07:12 PM

Although not as active as I was in my younger years, I prefer the retention strap. From riding horses, atv's, a hiking thru brush while hunting, I always felt a bit more secure in knowing I had the gun strapped in. I once ordered a Mernekel (sp) holster for a snub M66, floral design and was assured it would be secure without the strap. Upon receipt of holster, I could just turn it upside down and the revolver would fall out. A trip to the local saddle maker took care of that. I think my sentiment was shared by many of years gone by.

crazyphil · #22 09-06-2019, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rednichols

That the strap is inserted through a slot through the backside of the holster, and riveted, suggests it is factory. Remember that even the very first production Threepersons Style Holsters came with safety straps. From Sam's 1931 catalog that was printed early in 1930 (has an early 1930 letter from Tom inside it):

Attachment 411297

One of Eubanks' competitors was Lawrence and of course their Keith holster had a safety strap as standard. 1945:

Attachment 411298

That's a good point.

I have a Myres #624 T3P with both a retention strap and a dog ear.
Shown below on the left with model 67 Combat Masterpiece.
The silver dollar in the belt buckle is my birth year. 1935.

And 2nd from left is my Lawrence #120 Keith with the retention strap.
I glued the arrow head on to cover up a blem.
By the way, that's a very nice belt Red. Thank you.

crazyphil · #23 05-21-2020, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bulletslap

That is a nice looking old Eubanks.

I have a question about the Texas Gunslinger Belt, is it a decent belt in your opinion? The price on them looks to good to be true.

I am sure it is embossed ?

Thanks.

Texas Gunslinger claims that the belts are actually hand carved.

bulletslap · #24 05-21-2020, 12:48 PM

Thanks Phil.