$5.00 Tex Shoemaker 75 K

[4T5GUY]

I definitely didn't need it but I bought a Tex Shoemaker Duty Holster. I found it in a box at a "junk" store marked at $5.00.

Other than being dusty it was in nice condition. The leather is still great and the snap is perfect. It's still very tight including the spring steel, (?) front opening. I cleaned it up and it'll go into the extra/misc holster drawer. I doubt I'll ever use it.

I'm sure these were popular duty holsters when revolvers were the standard. It appears it was meant to serve well and last a very long time. I'd like to find out about the history of them, mostly the design. I see the Pat. Pending so I assume that Tex Shoemaker imagined it.

Jim

 

[Black69]

It kinda resembles the Hoyt holster popular in the late 70's early 80's
If I remember correctly. Good find.

 

[CH4]

For the first 7 years of my LE career I proudly carried my 4" 686 in a Hoyt high ride, break front. I thought Hoyts were the best looking, functioning duty holster extant. Like 4T5Guy, I recently found a nice 4" AE Nelson (Hoyt clone) for $5 in a junk bin. Definitely didn't need it, but the flood of memories pushed me to bring it home. Great prop for photographing revolvers from that era.

 

[4T5GUY]

It kinda resembles the Hoyt holster popular in the late 70's early 89's.

Thanks for tip.

Looking up Hoyt took me further back to Berns, (Berns-Martin,) and the history of Breakfront Holsters. Fun read.

Although I haven't found much about Tex Shoemaker's it looks like he combined some designs together did a few things different. Then over built them.

Jim

 

[SG-688]

1981 Shoemaker ad

1981 ad for Tex Shoemaker Quick Front holsters.
#75 for revolvers and #45 QF for Colt autos.

"Must use large factory target grips."