34-1 Holster

[roguegamma]

I have a nice little S&W Model 34-1 that once belonged to my dad. When the revolver was passed down to me, it came with the little basketweave holster in the photos. On the back, the holder is marked with the S&W emblem and "22" "32" and the letter "W". Am I correct in assuming that Smith and Wesson has, or had, their own in-house leather shop? Any estimates of approximate vintage?
Thanks in advance for your replies!

 

[crazyphil]

Nice little S&W holster. The 22 is the model number. The 32 is the size.
Size 32 was made for the K Frame with 2" barrel such as a model 10.
Your model 22 is obviously basket weave, as the W so indicates. The
model 22 should also be lined.

In 1965 Bangor-Punta acquired Smith & Wesson. Sometime between
1967 and 1969 they acquired the holster company that had been started
by Wally Wolfram. turnerriver has told us that their first catalog came
out dated 1969. Red Nichols has told us that Al Kippen, formerly of
Bucheimer, handled the start up.

By 1979 S&W was tired of the holster business, so they offered it to
Bob Gould who was head of their holster division. Bob had a partner,
Goodrich. So after they were no longer allowed to use the name S&W,
they became Gould and Goodrich.

The vintage of your holster would be sometime between 1969 and 1979.

 

[roguegamma]

Thanks, for the info. I assumed it was for a J-Frame. Further assumed that the "22" and "32" were referencing the 22/32 kit gun. Thanks again for getting me on the right track. Luckily I do have a K-Frame snubbie.

 

[crazyphil]

I was thinking that a kit gun would be small for the size 32, so it probably
is kinda loose fit? Your K Frame snub should fit just right.

 

[roguegamma]

I was thinking that a kit gun would be small for the size 32, so it probably
is kinda loose fit? Your K Frame snub should fit just right.

Funny, I never checked the little 34 for fit. I just assumed it was the right holster. I realize now that my dad once owned a snubby K-frame that was stolen in a burglary.

Checked fit with my 12-3. Fits like it's made for it, which apparently it was.

 

[crazyphil]

All's well that ends well.