A Different Patton Gun

[Sgt 127]

#5 "Patton" Holster

I swear it originally mentioned that this holster was made by Myers. It would make sense though, El Paso took over the Meyers business if not actually bought the company, took on most of the business they had.

Possibly the extension on the holster you speak of is one of these?

http://www.epsaddlery.com/pc-101-14-1911-hanger.aspx

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Here are a few sources on Patton's guns:


• Elman, Robert, Fired in Anger, The Personal Handguns of American Heroes and Villains, Doubleday & Company, Inc. , 1968.
• Perry, Milton F. and Parke, Barbara W., Patton and His Pistols, The Stackpole Company, 1957.
• “Patton’s Peacemaker,” Ronald A. Ogan, American Rifleman, May, 1986.
• “Patton: Guns Made Him Great,” Whit Collins, Guns & Ammo, August, 1971.
• “Guns of General Patton,” Charles M. Province, Guns Magazine, December, 1986.
• “Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. Olympic Competitor,” John J. Grubar, Man at Arms, Number 3, 1995.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

Kevin;

The book I was referring to was authored by Charles Province, I cannot recall the title, but it was a biography of GSP.

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[pompier]

Georg Lawrence hip pocket holster?

While I can't find a reference right now I recall that Patton also use George Lawrence holsters along with the S.D. Myres rigs. And Geo. Lawrence made a "hip pocket" holster that was popular at the time. Worn on you trouser belt with the muzzle end of the holster tucked into your hip pocket. I've seen the Colt DS pic and that's what it appeared to be to my untrained eye.

 

[kwill1911]

Here you go: Patton Society Homepage

 

[kwill1911]

Some of Patton's "other" pistols:

Regards,
Kevin Williams

 

[M29since14]

And Geo. Lawrence made a "hip pocket" holster that was popular at the time. Worn on you trouser belt with the muzzle end of the holster tucked into your hip pocket. I've seen the Colt DS pic and that's what it appeared to be to my untrained eye.

That sure looks like what we see in the picture. I'd bet you have solved the mystery, as far as the holster goes.

 

[pompier]

The pic that kwill1911 posted above is the photo I was thinking of and it sure looks like a Lawrence hip pocket to me. I'm sure other makers produced them and hopefully we'll hear from our resident leather experts.

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

I agree it to be the George Lawrence hip pocket design. The photo is the very same from Charles Province's biography of GSP.

Cheers;
Lefty

 

[Texas Star]

Who's the short guy in the photo where Patton is by the plane, wearing a Colt .380 with four stars in the grip?

Thanks for the great pics!

 

[M29since14]

I wondered that too. I suppose the tall, young fellow is a signal corps photographer.

Since you cannot distinguish rank, or anything else, of the guy with the overseas cap, if no one recognizes his face or can tie the photo to an event (perhaps associated with the badge on the tail of the plane?) or a unit Patton might have been visiting, that is going to be a tough one.

That pic might have been taken in the U.S. after V-E Day... ? It was obviously after his promotion to full general, which I believe was in 5/1945.

 

[turnerriver]

Here are 3 cuts from the three top makers current at the time-S.D. Myres
1941 catalog, Heiser catalog # 40 & George Lawrence 1940 catalog.As you'll see,there is an apparent difference in construction of the combination hip pocket holsters by all 3 makers & the General's holster.General Patton's holster appears to be a pouch sewn onto a rectangular piece of leather with the top doubled over to form the belt loop;these holsters are formed from a single piece of leather.I looked at some other 1930-40's catalogs & couldn't find any exact matches for his holster. Any of the three makers shown here would make exactly what you wanted,whether you were a General or not,so it's anybody's guess.I may not be seeing the photo correctly as well.
Regards,
turnerriver
SWCA # 1426

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Another little curiosity that comes to mind about Patton's DS, or whatever the model was called at that time, is that when you see a photo of him with the gun, the holster used is very unusual. It is not a Myers rig similar to those used with the Colt SAA and S&W .357. The holster is a straight, strong-side holster that drops slightly from the belt. It appears to be a slab of fairly stiff leather, cut in a rectangular pattern, with a pocket for the gun of somewhat thinner leather sewn onto the rectangular slab. It's a very odd arrangement, and not typical of anything that Patton acquired for his own use. Patton's own acquisitions showed a certain class and style - always good quality and contemporary with the times. The holster for the Detective Special appears to be something someone whipped up for him that knew very little about holster making - or at least they were not concerned about a traditional appearance.

It must be that holster in the above photos. I agree. That thing doesn't quite measure up to what you'd think he'd use.