A. E. Nelson Leather Co.

[LOBO]

This A. E. Nelson holster for a 4" K frame is one of my favorites. I'd like to know when it was made if anyone has an idea. If you know anything about the company or have a Nelson holster post it up.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Interesting rig; most A.E. Nelson holsters I see are police duty rigs.
They're still in business and list a similar style called the #392 Dual Carry Holster.
A. E. Nelson Leather Co.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

I found two in the same junk box at the same gun shop a couple years apart. This tooled one was for a Colt 1903 but my PPK/S is there next to it. The lefty breakfront is for a 2" S&W M&P or Model 10 and is marked "S.F. Gun Exchange". I think Turnerriver told me it was A.E. Nelson and a call to them verified it. You can call them and ask about your holster and maybe get some info, too, since they are still in business. They would make holsters for businesses stamped with the store's name.

 

[LOBO]

Thanks guys! I'll have to get up with them, and see what they have to say.

 

[bronco45]

I have a couple of Nelson field holsters (Threepersons copies) and a cartridge slide. All in tan and basketweave. Good materials, very well made, attractive designs and reasonable prices. Short turn around times.

 

[mojave30cal]

Here is a Nelson carved holster from the 1950's I picked up
last year. It's a 96F holster for S&W MIL & POL 4. This holster
fits my transitional 38/44 HD and was distributed by MECCA
SPORTING GOODS REDDING, CALIF. A very sturdy holster.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Yes , they are still around , making good quality holsters , and offer a full line of old school , and really old school holsters.

Been around since saddle holsters were mounted on dinosaurs. Much of their production was stamped with house and distributor brand names , and thus only moderately well known under their own name.

 

[just plain joe]

A.E. Nelson Leather makes quality leather gear. I purchased a magazine pouch from them three years ago. As has been said, call them. Their personnel are very nice to deal with and no doubt will do all they can to answer your questions.

JPJ

 

[Watchdog]

I don't have a Nelson holster, but I have a Nelson 10-loop cartridge slide for .38/.357 in what looks like the same color as your holster.

I see your holster was made in Scio, Oregon. My slide was made in Salem, Oregon.

It's quality stuff...probably last a lifetime.

 

[turnerriver]

I'm away from my catalogs and reference material but I've been picking up Nelson holsters for years. They pretty much had the western states covered when it came to sporting goods stores and gun shops wanting holsters with their own imprints. I'm not sure if I can date the change from Salem to Scio but obviously a call to them will provide that information and more. They are the fourth maker I've encountered that made gun leather for the Abercrombie & Fitch imprint- Heiser, Colorado Saddlery and Lawrence being the first three. The store imprint holsters are sometimes misidentified as Lawrence made. Their basic model for both revolver and auto was the model 96. They were the maker for Oregon State Police leather for a long time, I don't know if they still are although I believe so.
They have always done fine leather work in my estimation.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[LOBO]

Thanks for the great information!

I'm away from my catalogs and reference material but I've been picking up Nelson holsters for years. They pretty much had the western states covered when it came to sporting goods stores and gun shops wanting holsters with their own imprints. I'm not sure if I can date the change from Salem to Scio but obviously a call to them will provide that information and more. They are the fourth maker I've encountered that made gun leather for the Abercrombie & Fitch imprint- Heiser, Colorado Saddlery and Lawrence being the first three. The store imprint holsters are sometimes misidentified as Lawrence made. Their basic model for both revolver and auto was the model 96. They were the maker for Oregon State Police leather for a long time, I don't know if they still are although I believe so.
They have always done fine leather work in my estimation.
Regards,
turnerriver

 

[sierra255]

I live 15 miles from A.E. Nelson leather.. They still supply the Oregon State Police and many other agencies that still use leather for duty rigs. Benneth Nelson still does the quality and special jobs, but his daughter and son-in- law run the shop. I started using their products in 1968 and continued till my retirement from the PD in 2000. I have several holsters for my current carry choices that were recently acquired. There company is located in Scio, Ore. (pronounced SI-O)

Nelson Leather will make most anything you want, and you just have to let them know what your thinking. I am on a first name basis with this company, and give you my personal and professional recommendation.

 

[tecolote]

Here are a pair of Colt OP Heavy Barrels in Nelson leather: the top is the "Untouchables" model (the same one used in the TV show) and also fits my M14-3 and the belt holster is their #396. I also have the Untouchables for colt M1917.


Regards,

Tecolote