Had this IWB holster a while; fits my 3913 very nicely, maybe 1/2" of barrel protrudes. Wondered who made it and had not previously noticed the fading makers mark on the back. There are 2 circles, star inside one and illegible name between them. Seems like I have seen before; Texas maker maybe?
Anybody recognize? Thanks

Looks like an older Galco Royal Guard. Not a bad piece for the price.

similar; though the thumb break is different

Front detail:

I deleted my prior post because not only was it wrong, but I couldn't add pics to it.

Yours has the hallmarks of a Thad Rybka, a respected maker. The tab at the fold clued me in, then the rest of the details fell into place for me. A couple of images of his better-known products.

rybka (1).jpg rybka (2).jpg rybka (6).jpg Notice his distinctive maker's mark, created using a swivel knife.

No, don't ask me how to find this particular recluse maker, any one of a number of makers can help you scratch your itch :-).

__________________
Red Nichols The Holstorian

We know that when the maker puts his mark on the rough side of the
leather it may disappear after some wear. That may be what happened
in your examples Red. Here are a couple of my Thad Rybka holsters.
As far as I know, he has always used his initials, and the year the piece
was made. You can probably tell by the stitch signature too?

By the way, if you have the itch to contact Thad, I don't think he would
mind. I put his contact info in my book and he thanked me for it. His
address is Thad Rybka 2050 Canoe Creek Road Springville, Alabama 35146.

By the way #2 If you want to know more about Thad Rybka go up to the
SEARCH function and enter his name. There is a ton and an half of posts
about him and his holsters.

Attached Images

SAM_1578.jpg (98.9 KB, 61 views)

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

Great info guys; the holster came out of a gun shop in Birmingham only 30 miles from Mr. Rybka's address. Still confused about the star mark, though? Might he have used that?

I'm not so sure that your holster is by Rybka. Maybe after
Red compares the stitching he will give us his expert opinion.

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

I thought I was clearer but I've failed again! I am confident it is one of Thad's, it's covered with his 'hallmarks' including creasing the flesh side (who does that, Thad?!) and that nose piece, the nylon stitching, the configuration of the main seam's sewing, molding, etc. You'll contact him (thanks, Phil) and enquire about the mark.

rybka (13).jpg

I've several PDFs about him and his work, if you'd like to PM me with an email address so I can send 'em along. Gratis of course :-).

__________________
Red Nichols The Holstorian

All good points, as usual, Red. The so called star is confusing,
but maybe because it's no star at all. It may be TR altered by
wear and time. I also found a picture, featuring that nose piece,
on a cross-draw that Thad made for a Hamilton Bowen Ruger
Bisley .45 Colt with 5.5" barrel. My skepticism has been assuaged.

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

Up in post #6 I showed the backs of 2 Rybka holsters. Here is the rest
of the story:

On the left is this Tom Threeperson's holster, with a hammer guard,
that Thad made for me in 2010. The revolver is my Model 19 Combat
Magnum.

On the right is Thad's speed scabbard, made for Ruger's LCR in 2014,
but I gave the LCR away. Kept the speed scabbard for Colt's Agent.

Attached Images

	SAM_0753.jpg (106.2 KB, 35 views)
	SAM_1223.jpg (85.2 KB, 33 views)

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

I’m pretty sure Kenny Campbell made this holster. I have a rough out holster made by him about 12 years ago, mine was stamped the same but you can’t see it anymore. . I think he lived in springville Al.

https://i.imgur.com/Mtrn20P.jpg

nsewell says Kenny Campbel lives in Springville, AL. That is also where
Thad lives. Maybe that is the connection. Perhaps Kenny learned the
trade from Thad?

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

I’m sure there is some connection between the two makers. Mr Campbell passed away several years ago. I look for his holsters at gun stores and gun shows ever since I heard of him. I live about 20 miles from springville. I’ve just recently learned of Thad Rybka maybe sometime last year. From what little I’ve seen he does awesome work.

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