Vintage steel & leather (pics)

LSP 972 · #1 01-10-2008, 04:47 AM

What a marvelous thread.

I have to wonder, though... will there BE any gun guys down the road to marvel over and discuss the guns carried by MY generation of cops???

Revolver still ruled when I joined the profession in 1978, but today most of what you see is "combat tupperware"; quite serviceable, but hardly glamorous.

Then again, perhaps that was the perception of the grand old revolvers of yesteryear, too.

.

digi-shots · #2 11-30-2007, 06:21 PM

Jerry... very nice, great looking holster!

Paladin.. you don't see very many vintage shoulder holtsters.. nice rig!

Giz.. I just knew you'd be along with the Fitz. I wouldn't mind finding one of those.

Canoeguy, this pic is for you... GO NAVY! Should be a good game but probably no where as good as the ones when Roger Staubach played.

U.S. NAVY marked Victory, shipped October 21, 1942 to U.S. Navy, Oakland, Ca. pictured with USN BOYT 43 marked shoulder holster.

David Kachel · #3 01-07-2008, 07:15 PM

This has got to be one of the best threads I've seen in a long time; bar none.

There's a book in here somewhere!

tipoc · #4 12-20-2007, 06:25 AM

A little Geo. Lawrence, 3 screw Rugers and a Colt and an S&W marked rig likely by Gould and Goodrich.

tipoc

digi-shots · #5 12-08-2007, 09:08 PM

Dan, very, very nice! Good looking rigs! I really like the carved leather holsters.

Here's another pic...

turnerriver · #6 12-04-2007, 07:47 AM

I've posted these before but it's been awhile.

Outdoorsman in a Heiser/VL&A holster

Early post-war K-22 in a Heiser triple loop holster

Model 27 in a Berns-Martin Buscadero rig made for the man who bought B-M & moved it to Elberton, Georgia in the 1960's.

Regards,
John Witty
turnerriver
SWCA,CCA,NRA Life member

digi-shots · #7 01-03-2008, 09:47 AM

Thanks for all the kind words. I used to do some professional work quite a few years ago. I still enjoy playing around with a camera and the digital ones are a whole lot more fun... instant images no waiting for processing! Really haven't thought about a calendar, but it might be fun.

Here's another shot I took a month or so ago... not a Smith but a 1918 COLT .45 m1911. I picked up a couple of boxes of WWI ammo last summer while in Florida at a small gun shop.

The only "vintage leather" here is a WWI trench watch with vintage leather strap!

jimgoldth · #8 12-30-2007, 01:50 PM

This George Lawrence model 23 Inside Pant holster certainly shows some real quality with the leather covered spring clip. The gun is an early pre 40 centennial.

The Berns Martin Lighting was the first of the upsidedown shoulder holsters. Again the pre 40 Centennial is the gun.

JayCeeNC · #9 12-04-2007, 09:55 AM

Nice rigs, John!
I was wondering if you'd chime in here and show some of your beauties.
BTW, I picked up a plain brown B-M rig for a 3.5" .357 the other day, first one in that size I'd seen.

Onomea · #10 12-29-2007, 04:41 AM

Wow! These vintage holsters really blow me away... Gorgeous!

#11 12-22-2007, 07:00 PM

.44 & neat unmarked holster for 5 inch n frame...........

Muley Gil · #12 12-04-2007, 09:37 PM

If you go to this link: http://www.hanoverbrass.com/ , then OUR BUCKLES, then on to page 5, you'll see some orginal and reproduction snake buckles. Look for these numbers:

G-36 Snake Buckle
(Blockade Buckle)
circa 1861-1865

TG-36(A) Snake Belt Plate

Original dug Cold Harbor, Va.

TG-36C Snake Belt Plate

TG-36B Snake Belt Plate

original dug (Seven Days Battle, Cold Harbor, Va.)

Thuer · #13 12-07-2007, 03:56 AM

This is my Kitgun with his nice holster.
]

I know. The pics could be better.

Bell Charter Oak Holsters · #14 11-30-2007, 06:47 AM

A few more.

My favorite chair in the Den........

tipoc · #15 12-20-2007, 05:30 PM

Colt SAA and a handmade rig from the 70s.

tipoc

#16 11-28-2007, 04:36 AM

Henneberger, maker, North Little Rock Ark., Little Rock Police Department No.35 M&P ......................

rayb · #17 01-02-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Does that have the cool drop-down slide stop?

Yes it does, very cool, with a number.

Quote:

How about a photo of the left side?

Aw, its pretty much the same, with a few numbers stamped here and there.

Quote:

Is there more to this than just a good deal???

No deal. Gift from a friend +.

Thanks

rayb

Win38-55 · #18 12-21-2007, 07:02 PM

This is an original S&W 2nd Model American Russian Model circa 1873 (awaiting letter from Roy) along with an original Winchester Model 1873 in 44 WCF.

jimgoldth · #19 12-29-2007, 10:16 AM

Not all holsters were by famous makers or even very high quality. This unmarked shoulder Holster does what it needs to with this 38 DA fourth model.

Or this unbranded flap holster that obviously offers protection to the 5" M&P .38 special.

GLL · #20 11-30-2007, 08:45 AM

1926 3rd Model .44 HE

Jerry

jimgoldth · #21 12-18-2007, 06:38 PM

This S. D. Myers carved holster holds a prewar 38/44. The strap has been replaced with a heiser snap.

Lawrence is the creator of this Texas Jock Strap that holds a .455 Mk 2 type 2 S&W.

digi-shots · #22 11-29-2007, 08:39 PM

Great pics everyone! Keep 'em coming...

Here's another:

Philadelphia Police Sergeant John Jerdon's .38 Special service revolver.
The gun shipped in May of 1923.

tipoc · #23 12-20-2007, 06:12 AM

Colt Cobra from 1953 with a Lawrence Challenger rig and a handmade IWB by Bob Chow of San Francisco.

A couple of M&Ps and the Cobra.

tipoc

mikepriwer · #24 11-27-2007, 10:54 PM

Keith

Saw the Bloody Williamson heading - my wife and her family are from
West Frankfort. I spent a fair amount of time in various bars in Herron, Marion,
Ziegler, and best of all, Culp.

Later, Mike Priwesr

jimgoldth · #25 01-04-2008, 08:00 AM

An interesting IWB very early. Note design of rivited on clip. The material is oilcloth. Gun of course is 3rd model new departure.

An Early Audley pocket holster Patant date Mar 8,1908. This does not have the famous trigger guard lock It could be worn on beltor in pocket. Gun is perwar M&P with wrong grips.

Muley Gil · #26 12-02-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Is that a serpent or some sort of mythical sea horse type creature?

That is a snake buckle and yes, it was used by the Brits as early as the 1850s. Some British leather was issued to Confederates, such as the Confederate Marines. Other troops received British leather goods as well.

digi-shots · #27 12-20-2007, 12:15 PM

Nice pics everyone and some good looking leather!

Here's another, a model 10-5 with 2" barrel:

mm6mm6 · #28 11-29-2007, 08:04 PM

Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless:

tjpopkin · #29 11-12-2012, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mm6mm6

Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless:

Steve,
The engraving on the Colt is fabulous....who did it (factory?)
I think the ivory grips make it PERFECT.....from D.Chesiak???

I found an old Colt you will like, but it is nowhere near the quality and beauty of the .32 you have.

Terry

Buford57 · #30 01-02-2008, 07:00 PM

1951 Colt Cobra in Harry Ryskamp holster

1914 Erfurt Artillery Luger and Enger-Kress 44 holster in which it came from Europe

[/IMG]

A little backstory for anyone interested. My father-in-law brought the Luger back from WWII. He carried it, in that holster while working as a traveling salesman from 1947 until he passed it on to his daughter when she left home. I married her and convinced her to switch to a S&W Model 67. Several years later her dad was having trouble with a local character and didn't trust the (UGH!) Sterling .22 Auto he bought to replace the Luger. He went to a gun shop, where he found the Cobra, unfired after 30 years in the sock drawer of a retired State Police Lieutenant. He carried it until his death, at which point it became my BUG.

JohnHenryD · #31 12-01-2007, 03:03 PM

It's not a S&W but I have a Model 10 Remington pump that was taken from Birger in a raid and/or traffic stop. It's cut down but not to the point of it's being illegal. It came from the widow of the Deputy who lifted it from Charlie.

Deacon KC · #32 01-03-2008, 09:15 PM

Linda +2 on the calendar request 2009 would be nice

victorylarry · #33 12-05-2007, 07:18 AM

This is a great thread. Turneriver-I'm always impressed with your vintage leather and your knowledge of the field. Here is my first Heiser Holster I found in Tulsa last year...

Here are a pair of Colt Officer's Target Models purchased at the same time in 1932 (22 cal and 38 special) along with their Boyt Sheepskin Rugs. The seller was seperating the two guns for sale and I made sure they stayed together

.

This last shot is of a Heiser belt buckle that went to one of our own forum members along with a pre war outdoorsman. Notice the indian shooting an arrow on the lower left of the buckle...

digi-shots · #34 11-28-2007, 10:56 PM

Here's a S&W Terrier that lettered as being shipped to Charles Greenblatt Co. NYC., one of the larger S&W Dealers from the late 1940's to 1980's. They were located across the street from the NYC Police Headquarters.

The holster has LAVA, Inc. Police Equipment, NYC embossed on the back.

Frank Lava, Gunsmith & Revolvers was also located across from the NYC Police Headquarters. Here's a pic of the store in 1937:

digi-shots · #35 11-28-2007, 05:24 AM

Lefty... nice pics!

Somehow that "NY Reload" doesn't look like early NYPD standard issue.

Very nice looking rig.

Here's another pic:

Early .38 S&W Safety Hammerless in ankle holster:

digi-shots · #36 01-02-2008, 10:15 PM

Deacon, thanks! It's a pretty nice one.

I've got another .45 that I really need to photograph. I guess I'll have to "pose" it with some leather and other neat stuff. I'll have to see what I can find or borrow.

Back a while ago there was a thread started for "gun & knife".. and I had to go find knives! I've started to wise up and now put other objects with the pic so I don't have to re-take them later.

Linda

JayCeeNC · #37 12-04-2007, 10:07 PM

I don't know a date, but that's fine lookin' rig, Linda!

digi-shots · #38 12-07-2007, 07:53 AM

Thuer.... great pics!

You've got some very good looking guns and beautiful tooled holsters!

Win38-55 · #39 12-16-2007, 04:22 PM

Below are holsters for my original 2nd Model American in 44 Russian made around 1873 ... (awaiting letter from Roy) and my original New Model #3 made in 1880.

I was browsing the web when I came across a fellow who has the forms to make fitted holsters for the old S&W old west sixguns, including the Schofield, the 2nd Model American with its 8" barrel, and the New Model #3. Well, I gave the fellow a call (Alan Soellner http://inthesmokymountains.com/old_west_leather_holster...s_and_knife_sheaths/ ). By the time the dust had cleared, I'd ordered holsters for both sixguns. Alan makes these great old cartridge sliders that carry six rounds and mount on the gunbelt, so I ordered one for 38-55/30-30 and another for 45-70. He also had a small supply of genuine Sambar Stag for knife handles. Well, I got to thinking about that. I don't really have a good hunting knife .... I've been making do for decades with a nice Buck fishing knife and various folding knives but I've been hankerin' after a nice Bowie knife and since I still had a bit more cash left, now was the time to do it. Bottom line, I also ordered one of his handmade Solingen steel bowie knives with a Sambar stag handle and sheath.

I had all leather ordered in the 'antique' finish, since I like to speed up the aged look a bit. I specified custom features for both holsters (Slim Jim with open toe for my 2nd American, and a single loop to fit my special order 6" barrel on the New Model #3). Both holsters fit my two sixguns perfectly.

________________________________________________________________________

PALADIN85020 · #40 11-30-2007, 10:34 AM

This is my grandfather's .38 special, shipped from the factory in 1904. Also there is his original shoulder holster. He was a storekeeper in rural Kentucky and wore this rig daily. As you can see, it's seen heavy service. Wouldn't part with this set for the world!

killswitch917 · #41 03-04-2012, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PALADIN85020

This is my grandfather's .38 special, shipped from the factory in 1904. Also there is his original shoulder holster. He was a storekeeper in rural Kentucky and wore this rig daily. As you can see, it's seen heavy service. Wouldn't part with this set for the world!

Really awesome! Where at in Kentucky?

lawandorder · #42 03-04-2012, 08:35 AM

LOBO · #43 03-06-2012, 06:39 AM

Alamo Leather Threepersons for a 1911 Government model...

S.D. Myres Threepersons basket-weave with a 15-3, 4"...

fat tom · #44 03-07-2012, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawandorder

I'll take 11:00 and 1:00. Please send payment info.

f.t.

RKmesa · #45 11-08-2012, 10:29 AM

My latest vintage steel and leather photo - well used K-22 Outdoorsman:

jaws2 · #46 04-27-2014, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PALADIN85020

This is my grandfather's .38 special, shipped from the factory in 1904. Also there is his original shoulder holster. He was a storekeeper in rural Kentucky and wore this rig daily. As you can see, it's seen heavy service. Wouldn't part with this set for the world!

Just a beautiful rig, and I can see why you wouldn't part with it. From a fellow Kentuckian.

roger bartlett · #47 11-27-2007, 01:05 PM

Linda&Lee, Beautiful pix,I wonder what Roper&S.D. would think of their efforts now that we scramble to buy their work and appreciate it for wnat it is,true Awerican art. Thanks for the pictures, Regards, Bart

A10ACN · #48 01-02-2008, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Thank you. It has great personal meaning to me.

rayb

Is there more to this than just a good deal???

digi-shots · #49 01-04-2008, 09:05 AM

Jim,

WOW that is a very interesting IWB oilcloth holster. Any idea when it was made? It looks perfect with the 3rd model New Departure.

Great pics.. thanks for posting!

jimgoldth · #50 12-29-2007, 09:24 AM

In days of old pocket holsters were quite popular. In the days before Police openly carried many had special side pockets in their uniform pants that just fit a holster like this holding a .32 DA 4th.

Or this one with a 32 New Departure 3rd.