Rabensburg Holsters Advertised as "N. J. Rabensburg" in 1950s

[arabensburg]

The Premise: Even though Rabensburg holsters made during the 1950s carried the A. W. Brill maker mark, N. J. Rabensburg advertised his belts and holsters to the public using his own personal name and not "A. W. Brill".

In the summer of 1950, N. J. Rabensburg opened his workshop in the garage of his home located at 1903 N. Lamar Blvd. in Austin, Texas. In the panorama of the attached two photos, N. J. and Lillian surveyed the newly installed sign advertising "N. J. Rabensburg" belts and holsters to the passing traffic below.

It is interesting to note that Rabensburg used his own name and not "A. W. Brill" to market his holsters to the public even though he continued to use the A. W. Brill maker stamp until his death.

Can this be verified? Yes, look at the April 14, 1959 article in the Austin American newspaper on the holster career of N. J. Rabensburg written and photographed by columnist Anita Brewer. The photograph shows Rabensburg standing before an array of holsters and belts. When enlarged, one or possibly two of these holsters bear the "Brill" name.

More importantly, N. J. Rabensburg held in his possession the A. W. Brill maker stamp, which continues to remain within the Rabensburg family to this date but is slated for donation to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas.

We know the year of the panorama photo by the license plate of the car in the driveway. Lillian has her back to it while she stares apprehensively at the sign, which has just invaded her landscaped side yard and garden.

The car is a 1950 Chevrolet "hardtop convertible" and owned by Newton Joseph Rabensburg, Junior, who has just arrived with his family from San Angelo. It is actually a 2-door coupe and not a convertible but had no structural support between the front and rear windshields. The roof appeared to float over the passenger compartment, hence the name, hardtop convertible.

The license plate (see attached photo with Rabensburg, Jr.) when enlarged reflects a 1950 issue date, which probably means this is the summer of 1950, and the car is brand new.

The Rabensburg family is gathering at this time for the family photo marking the middle of the 20th Century.

By Neale Rabensburg

 

[dobegrant]

I am very interested in this story but a little confused regarding timeline, Red Nichols states your grandfather built the first AWBrill holster in 1907.

 

[arabensburg]

I am very interested in this story but a little confused regarding timeline, Red Nichols states your grandfather built the first AWBrill holster in 1907.

I believe Red Nichols has changed his mind and now gives credit for the first holster to look like a "Brill" to Charles W. Kluge.

Remember, the A. W. Brill Company did not exist until 1912.

My position remains the same and is based on the Stan Nelson article published in January 2008. It gives credit to N. J. Rabensburg for the "Sunday" holster.

The "Sunday" holster's introduction was 1906 following Rabensburg's graduation from high school in La Grange. There he began his apprenticeship with La Grange Saddle and Buggy, and he had his 17th birthday in August.

Rabensburg worked at La Grange Saddle and Buggy until 1909 when he left to study the wholesale trade in Dallas, Texas. There are at least 2 local newspaper articles placing Rabensburg in La Grange during this period.

I agree that the application of the "Brill" name in advance of its existence is a little confusing. Between 1906 and 1912, the name "Sunday" holster would be a better fit.

I do believe that Rabensburg introduced the "Sunday" holster to Captain John R. Hughes of the Texas Rangers and not Charles W. Kluge. The "Sunday" holster was copied by a dozen or more holster makers around Austin.

The Stan Nelson article was based on an early 1950s interview with N. J. Rabensburg. I stand by that interview.

The "Sunday" holster is the "Brill". The "Brill" name appears to have been applied in more recent years.

I would rather talk about who made the holster rather than applying the "Brill" name to all such holsters, which carried the "Sunday" holster look.

Rabensburg was indeed the A. W. Brill holster maker but not until September 1932 or September 1935 depending on the retirement of Charles W. Kluge.

Prior to September 1932, Rabensburg was the maker of the N. J. Rabensburg holster in Llano, Texas. Between 1920 and 1932, Rabensburg was at the zenith of his leather making career in the Texas Hill Country.

When Rabensburg finally arrived in Austin in 1932, he adjusted to the routine of making mostly holsters and belts.

By Neale Rabensburg
Grandson of N. J. Rabensburg

 

[dobegrant]

Thank you , I find this topic pretty interesting.