Someone tell me about these Red Nichols-Berns Martin holsters. This one reminds me of Brill at first glance. It's housing a 1923 mfg Colt 1911 Commercial. Another holster for a lefty.

Red Nichols used to work for John Bianchi. He also owns the trade mark BERNS-MARTIN. He lives in Australia and still makes holsters. Usually when someone says a holster is a Berns-Martin, they mean a break front holster like the Bianchi Model 27, Model 2800 or Model 3000 Auto Draw. Berns and Martin were team mates on the Navy Rifle Team. Berns wanted a holster that would securely hold a revolver, ride high on the hip to keep it out of the snow (he was stationed in Alaska at the time) and allow a quicker draw since you didn't have to raise the gun out of the top of the holster.

I seem to recall a few years back Mr. Nichols posted here occasionally. Not sure if he is active anymore or his username.

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Rather be outdoors

Here is one of the first of that type of holster made by Red. He gifted it,
and the Sidewinder belt, to me several years ago. It seems like about a
year ago that he dropped off the forum. I have sent a few emails to his
address, but no answer or response. Don't know if he changed address
or what.
Not much to tell about the holster, except that it is one of my most
prized possessions. I believe he called it a Brill-Persons at that time.

On the right is his replica of Tom Threeperson's personal holster.
When he made them, he gave me the #1 prototype. It is why the
Brill-Persons is one of my most prized. This is the other one.

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In Omnia Paratus

Does anyone know what this holster was called?

Red, Phil and John are what I refer to as the holster gurus of this forum.
They have answered question for me of holsters that seemed so minute that just the stitching was enough to ID a holster that had no makers mark. The knowledge of these three gents is amazing.

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SWHF #595

Red is very conscious of the magazine release button on semi autos so I wonder how he approached it on a right handed version of this fine holster. I think he mentioned a type of bulge on the inside to make clearance for it but can’t recall exactly. Look up the book “Holstery” by Red Nichols and John Witty, both members here. But maybe not Red anymore. It’s essential if you’re into 20th century holster history.

I am honored that you would even put me in the same sentence
as Red and John. I'm just a serious student.

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In Omnia Paratus

Me too Phil, I'm not up to your standards yet and as John told me it's a slippery slope. I've learned a lot from you three and my interest in holsters is almost as much a my guns.
My goal is to have a period correct holster for every gun I own and I'm not there yet...

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SWHF #595

What are you on the hunt for currently?

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In Omnia Paratus

On page 9 of “Holstery” is a Brill holster for a 1911 that is virtually identical to this one, or vice versa.

That’s some beautiful leather gear.

Red retired but he has a GREAT blog to which you can subscribe.

Blog | Holsterguys.com

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Possum—The other white meat!

Phil,
Red last logged in on March 16th. I hope he’s OK.

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"I also cook."

As of late I've been on the hunt for a nice floral or basket weave for a model 25 five inch that I bought recently.

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SWHF #595

Thought I might have something for you, but guess not. That
5" barrel is kinda rare on the Model 25 isn't it? I'll keep my
eyes peeled and let you know if I see anything.

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In Omnia Paratus

A lot less 5" then 4 and 6.5s . I've though about having one made but I'll keep looking for awhile yet before I do that.
I'd prefer a vintage or" renowned " by your standards before a new one..

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SWHF #595

Red is active on his blog. Almost daily.

I highly recommend the blog. Lots of great and otherwise unavailable information.

Beautiful holster. And you can be sure if Red made it, it works as good as it looks.