|
|
07-11-2009, 08:10 PM
|
|
Moderator
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Miami,Fl
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 11,221
Liked 18,135 Times in 2,529 Posts
|
|
Model 29 .44 Mag. with vintage holsters,interesting Berns-Martin story
Re: a recent thread asking about pre M 29 holsters,I spent some time this morning digging out some examples. The 2 Berns-Martin rigs have interesting histories-I obtained them from the Elberton, Georgia businessman who bought Berns-Martin from John Martin(Jack Berns was deceased by then) & moved the company from Calhoun City, Ms. to Elberton, Ga. The carved Buscadero rig was probably the last holster rig made by the original owners & it was the 1st rig made in the new location.A 2001 letter to me from the Georgia businessman stated "Among the holsters you acquired (is) a basketweave gun belt & holster custom made for the .44 Magnum 6 1/2" barrel.This holster was my 1st insight to the Berns-Martin Company. I was so excited as to the quality of the rig I contacted the owners, Messrs. Martin & Criswell of Calhoun City, Mississippi. Both of the gentlemen were up in age. I flew down to Calhoun City & agreed to purchase the company based on Mr. Criswell coming to Elberton to show our people how to make the holster. The 2 finest additions I had were the Floral Carved Buscadero .357 Magnum custom for the M 27 revolver; the other 1 was of the same quality, tailored for the 6 1/2" .44 Magnum. Actually I placed the order for these 2 Buscaderos in Calhoun City;the custom work for me had begun & I believe Mr. Criswell finished the work while in Elberton." I have both rigs-the Model 27 rig is stamped Calhoun City,Ms. & the .44 Magnum rig is stamped Elberton, Ga.
The 1st photo shows my 4" 29-2 in a Calhoun City,Ms. Berns-Martin Speed holster-I believe this holster would qualify as a pre-model 29 holster.The basketweave rig is also stamped Calhoun City;the company changed hands in the early 1960's so there's a good chance this qualifies as a pre-29 holster rig as well.The 2 Lawrence flap holsters are for 6 1/2" & 8 3/8" model 29 or model 57 revolvers (size code 535)& are probably 1960-70's production.The last 3 holsters are all Lawrence holsters for the model 29 with a 6 1/2" barrel,size code 534;these were probably made in the early to mid 1960's.The three digit Lawrence size code was 1st used in the early 1960's.All 3 holsters were models that had been in Lawrence's line for years. The last photo shows the sewn in sight protectors in the models 150LRS & 140 LFSC holsters.
Regards,
turnerriver
John Witty
SWCA # 1426
NRA Endowment Life member
__________________
turnerriver
Last edited by turnerriver; 07-12-2009 at 08:12 PM.
|
The Following 14 Users Like Post:
|
-db-, arjay, Biginge, bracebeemer, DGT, fat tom, gaucho1, Kansasgunner, kframeman, lawandorder, Malysh, Muley Gil, shawn mccarver, vonn |
07-11-2009, 08:12 PM
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Dadeville, Alabama
Posts: 1,740
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 6 Posts
|
|
wow that really looks nice, other than the occational BBQ I would be afraid to wear it, just looks too nice
|
07-11-2009, 09:55 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 4,008
Likes: 18,974
Liked 3,528 Times in 1,128 Posts
|
|
Fantastic B-M rigs, John.
I have several, including one similar to your first picture but for a 3.5" N-frame, also a Calhoun City manufactured holster.
They are among my favorite holsters.
__________________
John
|
07-11-2009, 10:00 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 452
Likes: 220
Liked 105 Times in 9 Posts
|
|
John - Happy Birthday!!! & Thanks for sharing your amazing collection and outstanding photos!
This gives me a "grail" holster to search for to accompany my Pre-29!
Again, Thanks so much!
|
07-11-2009, 10:02 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Virginia
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 1,586
Liked 4,084 Times in 595 Posts
|
|
John,
Very nice! Great information. Thanks for the post!!
I've never noticed "sight protectors" in holsters. I'll have to start taking closer looks.
I've got a couple of Berns Martin holsters similar to the first one in your post. One of them has an additonal stamping on the back: "Evaluators Ltd.".
__________________
Linda
SWCA #1965, SWHF #245
Last edited by digi-shots; 07-11-2009 at 10:07 PM.
|
07-11-2009, 10:09 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: central pa
Posts: 5,336
Likes: 2,745
Liked 2,492 Times in 1,182 Posts
|
|
A very nice collection of fine leather! I particuarly like the full flap holsters. Thanks for shareing.
__________________
Stay safe people!
|
06-09-2014, 09:09 PM
|
|
Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Central South Carolina
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 6,581
Liked 12,383 Times in 2,810 Posts
|
|
This one needs to go back around!
f.t.
__________________
South Carolina-God's country
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|