Can you tell me what I have?

SoylentGreen · #1 06-29-2022, 09:35 AM

In the 1970's, my father was a police officer in the Village of Silver Creek in Western New York State.
He passed away last year and I managed to collect a few of his bits as an avid gun collector.
One of the items I came into was a holster that he obtained (but never used) during his service. I have attached a few photos, but let me describe what I have and I am hoping someone can tell me if I have something of value..

I have the holster and original blue box. The box says, "Smith & Wesson Leather Company. A Bangor Punta Company. Holsters & Belts of Distinction"
The label on the side: Flap Holster B08 44W S&W Mdl. 15, 18 Combat Master 4" Colt Trooper 4"
The holster is brand new in plastic bag.
Any help is welcome.
Thanks.

985Plowboy · #2 06-29-2022, 09:42 AM

You literally have the factory description.
It’s a SW branded holster that fits a 4”barrel length S&W model 15, 18 or Colt Trooper.
Are you asking about value?

Inusuit · #3 06-29-2022, 09:49 AM

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson doesn't have much to say: "During the Bangor Punta era, a line of S&W leather and cordura nylon (Scout) holster were sold." The catalog also notes that "All of these recent holsters tend to sell at their utility value, priced in similar ranges to their other brand commercial counterparts." Your holster in the original box and unused may be of interest to collectors and be priced accordingly. Others with more expertise will be along to tell you more.

s&wchad · #4 06-29-2022, 10:42 AM

S&W offered guns, ammunition, knives and leather goods during the Bangor Punta years (mid-1960’s - Mid-80’s). They eventually sold their holster division to two employees, who started Gould & Goodrich.

Yours is a police duty holster intended for a medium frame revolver with a 4” barrel. The “B” on the label represents black and 08 is the style. They also made a model 18, which was a similar flap holster with a swivel to make it more comfortable while seated in a car. The 44 represents the frame size and barrel length of the gun and the “W” signified the stamped basket weave embellishment.

S&W branded holsters typically don’t bring a lot of money, but they’re decent quality. They typically sell for between $25 and $75 at auction. Their flap holsters aren’t that common and the box would interest a collector, so yours may bring more at auction.

John Patrick · #5 06-29-2022, 10:48 AM

OP, fwiw, I paid $30 on EBay for the never used S&W holster shown in the photo below. It had no box, but did have a tag that looks like it was cut from the box.

(Despite the label, and stamping on the backside of the holster, describing it as fitting 2” revolvers, that’s a 3” M64 in it and there is still a bit of room in the barrel Chanel.)