Hello members
The description model by model of the holsters produced by the Hermann H. Heiser company of Denver Colorado begins with this thread.
Everyone can collaborate, in fact I absolutely ask you to do so, among you there are the greatest experts in the sector.
Please, when you insert a model, write in the title the number that Heiser had attributed to that model and the variants, Plain smooth, Full basket hand stamped and Full Mexican hand carved.
If possible, publish the catalog page where the model is shown, and as many explanatory descriptive photos as possible.
It would be nice if some expert would write a short history of the Heiser as an introduction to this archival work.
Any of your input is welcome.
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Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 06:58 PM.
OK, let’s see if there’s any interest, at least we should see some good leather.
I looked for an example of this holster for a long time, as is often the case once I found the plain one I ran across the floral carved example soon after.
This is one of many Heiser models that Elmer Keith found too big and cumbersome for actual use, “ just that much extra leather to cart around all day.”
The 433 holster was made for a 6 1/2” S&W .44 revolver as scribed on the back. It has the Abercrombie & Fitch logo and model number 433 stamped on the toe of the skirt.
The model 733 was made for a 7 1/2” Colt New Service revolver.
This series of holsters last appeared in catalog number 30, circa 1937. It was dropped from the line by catalog number 32 (1939).
The model 196 example was made prior to 1918 or so as Heiser changed their numbering system around then. I’ll see if I can find it in a catalog to see what they call that tooling !
Regards,
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turnerriver
Last edited by turnerriver; 02-14-2024 at 03:52 PM.
Reason: Addition
OK, let’s see if there’s any interest, at least we should see some good leather.
I looked for an example of this holster for a long time, as is often the case once I found the plain one I ran across the floral carved example soon after.
This is one of many Heiser models that Elmer Keith found too big and cumbersome for actual use, “ just that much extra leather to cart around all day.”
The 433 holster was made for a 6 1/2” S&W .44 revolver as scribed on the back. It has the Abercrombie & Fitch logo and model number 433 stamped on the toe of the skirt.
The model 733 was made for a 7 1/2” Colt New Service revolver.
This series of holsters last appeared in catalog number 30, circa 1937. It was dropped from the line by catalog number 32 (1939).
Regards,
Seen on the number 14 catalog from a bad photo not enlargeable
Catalog numeration for this holster, early in the century:
-Plain Smooth Finish #195 (No photos available, but reported in the catalog cut 4 posts below)
-Bull's Eye stamped #196
-Mexican Raised Hand Carved #197
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Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-06-2024 at 09:08 AM.
I added to my post, that series of model numbers was used prior to 1917 or 18.
Regards,
Thanks Turnerriver for the great start, you started with a really beautiful piece.
I have attached photos of a nice belt with the same finish as the holster
Awesome this tooling called by Heiser: The Bull's Eye stamped
__________________
Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 06:59 PM.
Thanks Turnerriver for the great start, you started with a really beautiful piece.
I have attached photos of a nice belt with the same finish as the holster
Awesome finish The Bull's Eye stamped
I've neither seen nor eve heard of this stamping by Heiser or any other! Well done to you and to turnerriver. His mark is much earlier than yours.
Heiser Mexican Loop Style Flap Belt Holster No. 533--- Hand Basket Stamped
Quote:
Originally Posted by rednichols
I've neither seen nor eve heard of this stamping by Heiser or any other! Well done to you and to turnerriver. His mark is much earlier than yours.
Found on the catalog number 14 the tooling called by Heiser: Bull's Eye stamped
At pag 25 of the same catalog there are the holsters of this thread with early numbering.
If anyone has catalog number 14 please post page 25
Last pic, the holster 195 (PLain Smooth Finish) found in the Seattle Hardware Compay catalog, but the image is referred to the No.#196 Bull's Eye stamped
-Last photo is of the Heiser Mexican Loop Style Flap Belt Holster No. 533--- Hand Basket Stamped
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Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-29-2024 at 08:46 PM.
Found on the catalog number 14 the tooling called by Heiser: Bull's Eye stamped
At pag 25 of the same catalog there are the holsters of this thread with early numbering.
If anyone has catalog number 14 please post page 25
Well done for a very special 'find'. My own page is worse than yours and it takes your image to imagine that mine has always called out 'bulls eye' stamping. The catalogue itself is not that rare, perhaps another forum reader will help us. Cat 14 h/b determined t/b 1911, the year my dad was born.
Well done for a very special 'find'. My own page is worse than yours and it takes your image to imagine that mine has always called out 'bulls eye' stamping. The catalogue itself is not that rare, perhaps another forum reader will help us. Cat 14 h/b determined t/b 1911, the year my dad was born.
Hi Red
please help me with this thread it could become very cool,
help me to find the missing photos, for example for the later numbering holster n 533 Basket stamped and the earlier plain smooth holster numbered 195.
This request is for all members
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Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 02-17-2024 at 09:04 PM.
The 422 series of holsters was cataloged throughout the 1900’s, appearing in catalog number 19 (1921) to number 51 (1956). It didn’t show up in catalog number 52. It was a field type holster with rawhide whip stitching and safety strap that was made for automatic pistols only.
Shown are a model 422 made for a .45 auto, a 522 for a .45 auto and a model 1722 made for a 4 1/2” Woodsman ( etched .22 4 1/2 under the model number). The 1722 is a model 722 with smooth leather lining and sewn in bottom plug, this example was special ordered with a finial closure instead of a snap.
Regards,
No. 1422---Full Plain Smooth Finish (No photos available)
No. 1522---Full Hand Basket Stamped
No. 1722---Full Mexican Hand Carved
In the pics number 1522 with standard closure, safety strap with snap button.
probably for Colt Woodsman or similar
__________________
Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 07:00 PM.
turnerriver wrote in another post:
"The 454 series of holsters first appears in my library in catalog number 30, first noted in 1937 according to the chart on page 104 in Holstory . Catalog number 20 does not list this holster. Note the catalog refers to the holster as a new style holster. As this cut from the 1930 catalog shows the straps were first secured with the pre-war brass and enamel three H snaps. Catalog number 32 ( sighted 1939 according to Holstory ) shows the holster with strap buckles as your examples have. Regarding dating the holsters, the three H brass and enamel snaps were used up into the 1940’s-the first catalog to show the new brown enamel snaps is number 38, first seen in 1946 according to the chart in Holstory although my experience indicates the three H snaps were phased out prior to that."
No.554---Full hand basket stamped
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Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 07:00 PM.
No.754--Full Mexican hand carved
-a Mexican hand carved rig with "new style" holsters No.754 and belt No.65, Buscadero Rig, holsters without safety strap, with double loops buckled, cartridge loops cal 32 20.
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Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-06-2024 at 09:43 AM.
No. 456---Plain smooth finish
No. 556---Full hand Basket stamped (No photos available)
Model with a very elegant design photographed here with the addition of "solid nickel ornaments", as the Heiser catalog stated, perfectly smooth inside.
__________________
Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 07:01 PM.
The 722 holster is actually a model 772 holster. It is mis-stamped as is the basketweave 421-it should be stamped 521.
The model 772 holster first appeared in catalog number 23 and was listed in catalog number 51 and not in 52.
Regards,
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turnerriver
Last edited by turnerriver; 02-19-2024 at 04:42 PM.
Reason: Correction
Single buckled strap to remove quickly the holster from the belt.
No. 458--- Plain smooth finish
No. 558--- Full hand basket stamped
No. 758--- Full Mexican hand carved
belts different type and style matched with the holsters, available with extension swivel loop.
__________________
Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 07:03 PM.
a 458 plain smooth rig, belt no.63 with double Flexible belt loop extension No.85
a basketweave buscadero rig with holster No.558 and belt No.74
a rare style 758 rawhide laced
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Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 07:03 PM.
Army Style Flexible Belt Holsters with Flap
No. 438---Fine Plain Smooth Finish
No. 538---Full Hand Basket Stamped (No photos available)
No. 738---Full Mexican Hand Carved
__________________
Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 07:04 PM.
Here are some more photos of the Army Style Flexible Belt holsters as shown above. I’ve found quite a few over the years but have yet to find a basket weave example.
Model 738 with sewn in plug bottom, made for a 6 1/2” Outdoorsman.
Model 738 special ordered without the hanging belt loop.
A black model 425 and a model 724. The 724 is lined, the 425 series was not lined.
A pair of 725 holsters, a left hand for a Colt Government Model and one for a 4” revolver.
A lined 438.
Unlined revolver 438 holster.
Regards,
I own a Heiser No. 64 Cartridge Belt with repro "similar to" No. 510 Loop Style Belt Holsters that I had made for my 5.5" 45LC Ruger Vaqueros, all full hand basket stamped, which I still use today in Cowboy Action Shooting. I don't remember how to add photos here.
Here’s a double loop model 710 holster made for a 6 1/2” S&W N frame revolver with a matching model 53 cartridge belt. The model 53 belt first appeared in catalog number 32. The 410-510-710 series of holsters go all the way back to catalog number 19.
Regards,
You realize that not only is turnerriver the preeminent collector and expert on Heiser, but he has examples of ALL OF THEM locked away? The images from him here are just teasers. Imagine if he could post images of them all. At five images per post that would take, I dunno, LOTS of posts.
Turnerriver is also the preeminent collector of Berns-Martin which company originated in 1930 with support from Elmer Keith, and which in its original form lasted until 1970 or so. Only the name remains (presently I own the marque).
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Red Nichols The Holstorian
Last edited by rednichols; 02-28-2024 at 05:13 AM.
You realize that not only is turnerriver the preeminent collector and expert on Heiser, but he has examples of ALL OF THEM locked away? The images from him here are just teasers. Imagine if he could post images of them all. At five images per post that would take, I dunno, LOTS of posts.
Turnerriver is also the preeminent collector of Berns-Martin which company originated in 1930 with support from Elmer Keith, and which in its original form lasted until 1970 or so. Only the name remains (presently I own the marque).
I agree, turnerriver is really the best, he is great.
His competence is very important for this forum, and as we see he is in good company, you rednichols and many others
__________________
Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 02-28-2024 at 05:06 PM.
Loop Style Belt For Revolver
triple loop version
No.412--- Fine plain smooth finish (triple loop image not available)
No.512--- Hand Basket Stamped
No.712--- Mexican Hand Carved
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Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 07:06 PM.
No. 712--- Mexican Hand Carved and belt No. 43 tapered style.
Note: modified holster with added safety strap with snap button closure, not available for this model. The No.413-713 had the safety strap.
Hi members/friends if anyone have photos of a 712 three loops unmodified holster and a 412 plain smooth finish always three loops please post here the photos.
__________________
Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 07:06 PM.
I believe that early in the century Heiser listed his products with a lower numberation, so in the catalog No. 14 appears a triple loop holster, rawhide laced, called Number 112 Three-Strap Loop Style Revolver Holster
as you can see, H.H.Heiser mark stamped on the mid loop.
instead of the basket stamped the description reads: Full Hand Waffle stamped
No. 112--- All Plain finish, as shown
No. 113--- When Full Hand Waffle stamped
No. 111--- If Full Mexican raising hand-carved with plain straps
If anyone has a sample of one holster with a Waffle stamped, please post the image
Last pic, the Waffle design found in the Seattle Hardware Compay catalog
__________________
Marcello
Last edited by ENNE-FRAME; 03-03-2024 at 07:07 PM.
I have a beautiful Colorado Saddlery double belt that exhibits carving that’s as good as I’ve ever seen. I only mention it here because this company was founded by former Heiser employees and comparisons might be obvious.
I bet the person who carved this belt also did some of the Heiser holsters posted above.
Last edited by Wyatt Burp; 03-01-2024 at 01:34 PM.
I have a beautiful Colorado Saddlery double belt that exhibits carving that’s as good as I’ve ever seen. I only mention it here because this company was founded by former Heiser employees and comparisons might be obvious.
I bet the person who carved this belt also did some of the Heiser holsters posted above.
And your guess would be correct. I have a 2000 obituary of a man who was an engraver for both Colorado Saddlery and Hunter (Hunter was CS' gunleather range after 1952) and I'd then expect that any CS engraver was former Heiser. CS was formed when Heiser was sold to the largest retailer in CO (perhaps even USA) in 1945 right at the War's end, but when Ewald Heiser died in '49 the retailer sold to Keyston Bros that wanted it for making capgun holster sets for the new junior cowboys of the 1950s.
Holsters Makers: Hermann H. Heiser Archive
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