Yesterday I ordered a nice basketweave Clark Concealer type #45 I believe made for a Colt OP 5" . It's not a Bucheimer/Clark but looks like one. I searched and found very little about the Clark holsters except it was owned by Ed Clark, later his son Earl and merged with Bucheimer. Apparently Clark had the patent for the Concealer before becoming Bucheimer-Clark. Any experts here know the history behind the Clark holsters? This one has an embossed carriage stamped on the back. I'll post a photo when I get it.

I suggest you go up to the SEARCH function and type in:
Clark Holster Company
Red Nichols has several posts that will give you some background
on Clark, Lewis, Bucheimer, et. al.

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

Thanks Crazy Phil. I was trying to date the holster. In a thread asking when Bucheimer closed, Red posted Bucheimer-Clark was formed in 1959 by the respective sons of JM Bucheimer and E.E Clark. Also stated Clark closed when BC was formed so I guess holsters marked "Clark" only predate 1959. Sound reasonable?

I'm curious to see what you have. 45 is the code for a 5 inch Colt OP.

I think of the semi-pancake Concealer holster as only a Bucheimer product. The patent by Ed Clark is dated 1977.

Helping with the book gave me great appreciation for Ed and Earl. Red has a free download of his research timeline by name and chronology on his web site. "E.E. Clark Leathergoods established in 1925" with Bucheimer-Clark forming (as a separate brand from Bucheimer) in 1959. Bucheimer-Clark continued to about 1978 and Bucheimer to about 1987.

NOW THEN --- The carriage stamp is a whole 'nother matter. Look for a "T" stamp inside the carriage. That means you have a Thompson Clark about which even Red is uncertain. Thompson was an L.A. area company. Don't know much about them but know even less about Thompson-Clark. Holsters in the Bucheimer/Clark/Bucheimer-Clark pattern have been showing up lately. I've only been paying casual attention to that; John probably has more.

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Bucheimer Concealer patent picture 1976.jpg (91.1 KB, 84 views)

SG-688, You nailed it. The carriage does have a "T" on the door making it a Thompson Clark. I've seen another mixed in with the Bucheimers for sale on ebay. When I saw the "Clark" mark I thought of E.E. Clark since I'm a novice. It may have fooled the seller too as it was advertised as Clark/Bucheimer. It does look identical(to my eye) to the Bucheimer Concealer with the cut out. Even the stitching and measurements are the same. If even Red is uncertain about Thompson Clark it must be a very obscure maker. I've found nothing searching Thompson Clark. I'll post photos when I receive it. Thanks for the information!

I have this little suede lined gem for my Colt Detective Special. It is simply marked Clark Holster Anaheim Cal. and 38 2 on the back. Any ideas on the age ?

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Clark 38 2 Holster.jpg (69.2 KB, 65 views)

Anaheim Clark is part of the Thompson Clark mystery. The first E.E. (Ed) Clark company was based in Los Angeles, and so marked, rather than Anaheim. Business records sometimes have information, like the dates for the Bucheimer-Clark corporation. As I recall the conversation, there's nothing found yet for the Anaheim Clark. (Nothing much for Lewis, either, a point of frustration.)

I'm guessing that Annaheim Clark came after B-C ended in 1978 -- but that's not speaking for Red or John. Son Earl went to Safariland in about 1980. Did Earl dabble on the side, before, during or after? Did someone pick up the Clark name but not have any connection the family or old company? Don't know.

Help me, John!

FWIW - to my eye, 2 inch Colt holster looks like something from the 70-80's, but I'm the mutt here.

P.S. Please add a photo of the back; the stitching might provide clues.

Red has responded to our pleas for mercy.
See Red's updated post number 9 for a summary of the Anaheim Clark - Thompson - etc. story.
Summary: My head is spinning.

Post 9: Redux -- Thompson, Bucheimer, Clark

Here's a comparison of my Bucheimer Concealer(01 004 14W) and the Clark(45). The Bucheimer was made for my K frame 4" model 10. From the fold on the leather at the thumb break to the bottom the Bucheimer measures 7.5" and the Clark 8.5" Measuring across the stitching on top front side the Clark is 3/8" wider. It appears the Clark might be for a semi auto as the inside width at the "mouth" of the holster is so narrow? The model 10 doesn't fit properly nor does gun I own. EDIT: A big THANK YOU to Red for the detailed explanation of the evolution of these companies!

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Yep. Looks like "45" means a .45 auto -- 1911 -- in the LA Clark style of marking.

Thanks for the help. I guess I'll have to buy a 1911

I had two Thompson "carriage" breakfront style concealment holsters, one each J-frame 2-inch and K-frame 2-inch.
They were very well made.
Sorry, no pics.

__________________
John

SG-688, here is a photo of the back of my Clark Anaheim holster

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Clark 38 2 Holster Rear.jpg (79.8 KB, 42 views)

Anaheim Clark - was my Father John Clark - Ed Clark is my Uncle (my dad's Brother) Ed never had anything to do with Anaheim Clark - My Father was the mastermind behind all the Craftmanship to do with All BUCHEIMER CLARK out of Valencia - my father John did all the Production, they went into business bc Bucheimer did not have the greatness in producing quality holsters and needed Clark Leather (My Grandfather's expertise) My Grandfather worked with Buchiemer back in the day - My grandfather is Earl, and he had sons, Earl jr, John, and Ed. that all worked in the leather business. Bucheimer Clark in Valencia Sold to Federated Group (Tandys), Federated came in asked to buy them - for many reasons. if you are really interested I can share.

Thanks
Susanna

We are REALLY interested in anything you have to say. Thank you for posting this.
Regards,

__________________
turnerriver

I have nothing to ad to this very interesting thread except this old
Sheriff model marked Bucheimer Clark. My concealer is just plainly
marked Bucheimer and patent numbers.

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__________________
In Omnia Paratus

While I only own one of these fine holsters, I love learning more about any and all vintage quality gun leather. The one I have is marked Detective 37A-11W, and has the circle with Bucheimer Clark LA Calif. It is basked weave stamped. Would love to know how to decipher the number codes. If you have any of the old catalogs showing this stuff, please post it. Please do share anything more when you have time.

__________________
"Tastes just like chicken"

I had a Detective a long time ago but gave it away, so don't quote me as
I am going strictly by memory. I believe the 37A is the model number,
and 11W is the size. 11 is the size for Chief with 2" barrel. The W
probably just means it is weaved.

__________________
In Omnia Paratus

Ditto.

Susanna, I'm guessing you're the lady with whom I briefly corresponded several years ago. I've previously tried that email again without a response.

Working on the Holstory book gave me a huge respect for Ed and Earl - but we didn't know about John. Oh, my.

Craig