K22 with great holster

gjamison · #1 08-12-2009, 03:31 PM

I picked this up last week and what a bonus. I got the gun for a real good price and when i was about to leave the guys house he gave me this holster. I know nothing about holster's. On the back of the holster it reads The George Lawrence Co. Portland,Oregon also has 2 numbers, 211LF and 528. The tool work is great. The gun ser# K6787 is in wonderful shape, grips number to the gun and it has the single line address with MADE IN U.S.A. It also has a gold bead front sight witch may me aftermarket. It left the factory in October of 1947. Any information on the holster would be great.

fat tom · #2 08-12-2009, 03:56 PM

Well,211 is the model number and I believe that the other info refers to the fact that it is tooled and laced. May also refer to the make and model of revolver for which it was designed. Somebody with a reference catalogue will be along to pin it down for you. I do,however, know a little about the prices of old leather and can tell you unequivocally that your holster would fetch $150-$200 if you were to put it up for sale on an auction site! If it was a Heiser,you'd be looking at $300+. But,if you decide to sell it (which I strongly suggest that you don't),I would appreciate a heads-up. Same goes for the gun. It happens to be my birth month and year! To say that I would be a motivated buyer would be an understatement!
f.t.

DCWilson · #3 08-12-2009, 04:02 PM

Congratulations on the holster AND the revolver. That serial number puts it right up front in the postwar K-frame production -- 1947, I would guess. I love all revolvers that came out of the company in the five to seven years before and after WW II.

turnerriver · #4 08-12-2009, 05:37 PM

The holster is a model 211LF, a Lawrence single loop holster that was "popular... for over a century"(according to a 1970's Lawrence catalog). The L stands for edge lacing-standard on this holster-& the F stands for floral carving.528 is the size code-the holster was made for the 6" S&W "K Masterpiece" revolvers as well as the Colt Marshal & Official Police. The safety strap appears to have been added by a previous owner;this holster could be ordered with a safety strap but I believe yours was added later.Lawrence started using the 3 digit size numbering system in the early 1960's so your holster probably dates to then.Nice find-both the revolver & holster.
Regards,
turnerriver

digi-shots · #5 08-12-2009, 09:00 PM

Congrats on a nice find!

I've also like carved holsters... I think they look great with some of the older S&W's. I've been known to buy the holster first and then find the gun.

Jcopen · #6 04-29-2014, 01:29 AM

i just cam across a simmilar holster, model 211lf with what would appear to be seashells on the back portion and floral design on the holster itself. I also found what may be a S&W topbreak pistol that almost looks to be a toy, the only markings on the piece are a s on one side and a w on the other, the calibre is 22. any clue on the value of either? both are in excellent condition.

crsides · #7 04-29-2014, 02:41 AM

Thanks. Now I know what I have, less the strap. If mine was stamped, they were worn off long ago. Beautiful rig. Love the gun and holster.

Charlie

gjamison · #8 04-29-2014, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jcopen

i just cam across a simmilar holster, model 211lf with what would appear to be seashells on the back portion and floral design on the holster itself. I also found what may be a S&W topbreak pistol that almost looks to be a toy, the only markings on the piece are a s on one side and a w on the other, the calibre is 22. any clue on the value of either? both are in excellent condition.

Have to post the serial number witch will be on the butt. Some pictures would help as well.

I forgot all about this thread and holster. Think it's kicking around here, guess I'll have to look for it.

fat tom · #9 04-29-2014, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjamison

It left the factory in October of 1947.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fat tom

It happens to be my birth month and year! To say that I would be a motivated buyer would be an understatement!

Hint,hint,hint.

f.t.

roger bartlett · #10 04-29-2014, 11:47 AM

Congrats on a beautiful rig. What the hell happened to your hat???
Reards, Bart

Modified · #11 04-29-2014, 12:05 PM

What a wonderful holster. In my neck of the woods I see a lot of old Lawrence holsters, but I rarely see one that nice.

tlay · #12 04-29-2014, 03:01 PM

How about some full photos of the K22? You do know not to store the gun in the leather holster for too long of a period?

fat tom · #13 04-29-2014, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jcopen

i just cam across a simmilar holster, model 211lf with what would appear to be seashells on the back portion and floral design on the holster itself. I also found what may be a S&W topbreak pistol that almost looks to be a toy, the only markings on the piece are a s on one side and a w on the other, the calibre is 22. any clue on the value of either? both are in excellent condition.

Sent you a PM. Also,welcome to the forum!
f.t.