Now I know why the strips that cover the spring on the inside of the holster are latigo. In order to "slide" the spring in, the leather has to be able to stretch. I just rebuilt a holster that Old Bear gave me. Getting the spring in from the back as I'm sure the did when making them was the hardest part. I'm not sure how to post pictures, it's just plain leather BM for a 4" k frame. originally tan but stained black. I replaced the snaps with line 24 snaps. Always fun to bring something back to usable condition.

I'd like to see how your holster turned out :-). To post pics, when you use the 'quote' function, look above for the paper clip symbol. Using that will aks you to select your image from your computer, then use 'upload'. Then doing no more than posting your reply will include the images.

The use of latigo likely was primarily for abrasion resistance and protection of the revolver's finish. But your thought makes sense, in addition. Of course wetting the cowhide (Jack used harness leather which is 'stuffed' with waxes and resists water, which is its purpose) would've made it extra easy to insert the spring from the opening in the holster at the trigger guard, but there is no evidence that Berns-Martin's were ever wetted except to engrave or set stamp.

Did you notice that typically a B-M Speed holster has its fitment marked inside?

1 marks interior.jpg

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

The OP, Mark, asked if I'd post his pics of his project. Turned out very well; he tells me that he embarked on it because the latigo covers for the spring had worn through in at least one spot, and the muzzle plug was gone. It's quite a handsome result.

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

Nice work, Mark.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

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Regards,
Bruce

I have en route a Bern-Martin which will require a refurb of the leather holding the spring. I'd appreciate knowledgeable folks posting any tips or photos on how to go about that.
TIA

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de minimus non curat lex

Show us pics when it arrives. Everything has to be done to avoid having to replace the hand sewing of the muzzle and/or the trigger guard pocket, as replacing that sewing is beyond most folks.

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Red Nichols The Holstorian

It's going to be tricky as Red said. It was made by pushing the spring in from the back. The spring has 2 flats at the front that will be hard to sew around. you could glue them over the springs, but that isn't the way it was made. There was some chamois around the back of the spring.

Looks very good, cannot tell it was reworked

The Berns-Martin to which I referred above, with matching B-M belt, has arrived. It is old enough that all the fittings were covered with verdigris and the snap for thew safety strap was corroded away, but it is otherwise brand new! No buckle dents on the belt tongue, no gun marks inside the holster. No scuffs or scratches. If I can find a proper male snap, it'll be golden. v
The only downside about the deal is that with my Mr. Magoo vision, I accidentally omitted the decimal place in my bid.

Does anyone know where I can get the correct snap for the safety strap?

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de minimus non curat lex