Tex Shoemaker question

BC38 · #1 09-28-2020, 09:07 PM

I picked up a "Bullit" style upside down shoulder holster by Tex Shoemaker the other day. It seems to fit a J-frame just fine, and it also fits my Taurus 617 (which is just slightly larger than J-frame sized with a larger diameter cylinder). I think it would fit a 6-shot Colt Detective Special pretty nicely too.

It is marked 11UD. The thing is, I can't seem to find any info about an 11UD model. I found a 1UD on fleabay, but info on an 11UD seems non-existant. Is this holster mis-marked? Should it be 1UD instead of 11UD?

Anybody have any info on this holster - exactly what it is meant to fit or what it is worth?

It is in great shape - but I can't use it. I'm too barrel-chested and as a result it hangs too far under the arm for me to be able to reach it so I'll probably be selling it - if I can figure out what it's worth.

BC38 · #2 10-04-2020, 12:24 AM

Wow! 175 views and not one opinion? I'm shocked. The leather experts around here are so knowledgeable I can't believe this one has 'em stumped. Maybe a picture of the one marked 1UD sold on eBay (light background) and of mine marked 11UD (dark background) will help?
I'm kinda thinking the 1UD is the J-frame version and my 11UD is the K-frame version...

crazyphil · #3 10-04-2020, 05:48 AM

Shoemaker size 1 is for Colt's Detective Special.
The S&W J Frame is size 2.
You are correct in your guess. 11 is a size code for K Frame.
It is possible to get different sizes into this type of holster, but that
doesn't mean that they fit correctly.

BC38 · #4 10-04-2020, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

Shoemaker size 1 is for Colt's Detective Special.
The S&W J Frame is size 2.
You are correct in your guess. 11 is a size code for K Frame.
It is possible to get different sizes into this type of holster, but that
doesn't mean that they fit correctly.

EXCELLENT info Phil. Thank you VERY much for sharing your knowledge. It is much appreciated.

turnerriver · #5 10-04-2020, 01:48 PM

I have many catalogs & other source documents but realized again that I have nothing on Ted Shoemaker. I go look every time someone asks & I always come up empty.
Regards,
turnerriver

majick47 · #6 10-04-2020, 02:05 PM

Now that you know the correct fitting (2" S&W K frame) for the holster you can use the J frame holster selling price as a guide. Also check vintage Bianchi, Safariland, Bucheimer leather shoulder holsters on Ebay selling prices. Probably average $75-100, anything new will be $200+. Tex Showmaker made well designed quality leather products.

BC38 · #7 10-04-2020, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turnerriver

I have many catalogs & other source documents but realized again that I have nothing on Ted Shoemaker. I go look every time someone asks & I always come up empty.
Regards,
turnerriver

Well I sure appreciate you taking the time - both to look and to post.

BC38 · #8 10-04-2020, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majick47

Now that you know the correct fitting (2" S&W K frame) for the holster you can use the J frame holster selling price as a guide. Also check vintage Bianchi, Safariland, Bucheimer leather shoulder holsters on Ebay selling prices. Probably average $75-100, anything new will be $200+. Tex Showmaker made well designed quality leather products.

Thanks man. The J-frame sized model pictured above sold on eBay for $45 (reserve) + $5 shipping with only 1 bid in 5 days. That seemed kinda low to me.

But it was a poor excuse for an auction ad. It claimed the holster was NOS - though it sure didn't look it in the pictures. Mine looks better IMO. It also didn't say anything about what it fit - just that it was a 1UD model.

I'm thinking that if the seller had taken better pictures, and mentioned that it fit a Colt DS it would have sold for more.

crazyphil · #9 10-04-2020, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majick47

Now that you know the correct fitting (2" S&W K frame) for the holster you can use the J frame holster selling price as a guide. Also check vintage Bianchi, Safariland, Bucheimer leather shoulder holsters on Ebay selling prices. Probably average $75-100, anything new will be $200+. Tex Showmaker made well designed quality leather products.

With all due respect, I believe your price suggestions might be
a little bit aggressive. I have seen a couple of very similar
holsters sold recently. One for $40 and another for $30 plus
shipping.

I have had pretty good luck selling a few holsters right here
on our forum, classified ads.

crazyphil · #10 10-04-2020, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turnerriver

I have many catalogs & other source documents but realized again that I have nothing on Ted Shoemaker. I go look every time someone asks & I always come up empty.
Regards,
turnerriver

turnerriver, I sent you a PM about a Tex Shoemaker catalog.