PRICE HELP WANTED

crazyphil · #1 09-13-2021, 07:59 AM

I recently became the owner of this early Brill, made before 1932
probably by Charles Kluge. It was advertised as fitting Colt's
1903 Hammerless pistol, but I have found that it also fits the
Colt's 1911 full size pistol. Here are the length, height & width:
1903 6.75" 5.5" .76"
1911 8.25" 5.5" 1.0"
Here, below, I have the following photos, left to right:
Front of Brill
Back of Brill
Front with 1911
Back with 1911
Why am I thinking of selling? Because I am right handed and
the Brill is for a left handed shooter. And besides, I have a
beautiful Brill-Persons given to me by my friend Red Nichols,
shown 5th from left.
I know Brills have sold for astronomical prices, but I want to price
this one so a left handed member who owns a 1903 or 1911 or
anything of comparible size can afford to buy it. This is not an
offer to sell.
I would appreciate your suggestions for a fair sales price.
Thank you.

SAFireman · #2 09-13-2021, 08:38 AM

Phil,

I have personally seen Brill holsters for 1911's sell for over a grand. Of course, condition is everything. The LH aspect might bring 1-200 less, but maybe not.

I suspect Turnerriver will be along to educate us further

I own a very nice RH Brill for a 1911, and I wouldn't even consider offers less than 4 figures.

I hope that helps.

crazyphil · #3 09-13-2021, 09:04 AM

Thank you for that SAFireman. Even though very old this Brill is in very
good condition. Apparently the previous owner used it for a 1903 Colt
Hammerless pistol, so the 1911 is a little bit tight. But that's better than
too loose.

SAFireman · #4 09-13-2021, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

Thank you for that SAFireman. Even though very old this Brill is in very
good condition. Apparently the previous owner used it for a 1903 Colt
Hammerless pistol, so the 1911 is a little bit tight. But that's better than
too loose.

Phil,

You know the drill....
-good tight stitching
-leather condition good - no cracks, no dry rot
-no modifications
-good color

These things all add or detract from the value. Also, the gun it fits plays a big part. Holsters that fit popular guns seem to bring more money than obscure guns that nobody liked.

Good luck with the sale.

crazyphil · #5 09-13-2021, 04:46 PM

Thanks again SAFireman. All those items on your drill are in good shape.

crazyphil · #6 09-13-2021, 06:24 PM

The magazine release button is on the left side, so it is
on the outward side in a left-handed holster. You can see it in my middle
photo up in my #1 post.
I found several early Brills including several here on the forum. The basket
weave and the stitching does match. There is a scuff inside the holster
that matches up with the take down button of the 1911.

StrawHat · #7 09-14-2021, 06:32 AM

A holster in what we have come to call the Brill style is still exciting to many. If I remember correctly none of the Brills actually sewed holsters but were merchants. And as merchants they may have had standards to which saddlers and holster makers needed to adhere in order for the Merchantile to carry the product. I am not saying this was sold by the Brill shop but that it certainly has enough of the traits to be considered a Brill. How many holster makers made this pattern originally? Stitching patterns, stamps and stamping patterns were not all identical. That is how some can tell the difference among the makers.

This is an interesting holster. I almost wish I liked 1911s.

Kevin

StrawHat · #8 09-14-2021, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyphil

Thank you StrawHat, I agree with what you say. It would be difficult for
me to believe that someone like Kluge, who made the early Brills, would use
the same stamping on every one of the hundreds, maybe even thousands
that he made. Nor would I believe that every one would have had the
exact same stitching. But I suppose that if it's in the gospel HOLSTORY,
we are supposed to believe it.

Oh, I can believe the same maker would use the same stamp and patterns allowing for mistakes and sizing dilemmas. I can not accept that the dozen or more known makers of the Sunday holster had identical tools and were given exact patterns to follow.

Kevin