Classic Tom Threepersons holsters

[LoboGunLeather]

I receive numerous requests for the classic Tom Threepersons style holsters, named after the legendary Texas lawman who originated the design. Some folks have expressed interest in hand-carved holsters along the original pattern.

I have obtained a scan of one of Threepersons original holsters (c. 1920) which displays the original carving style.

I am looking at work by accomplished leather carvers and will be working out a collaboration with an accomplished artist to jointly produce such holsters.

Your input will be appreciated as I evaluate this product idea.
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UPDATE, JUNE 27, 2009: I HAVE COMPLETED THE FIRST TWO PRODUCTION HOLSTERS FEATURING HAND-CARVING BASED UPON THE ORIGINAL PATTERN ON TOM THREEPERSONS' PERSONAL HOLSTER.

PHOTOS ARE POSTED ON MY WEBSITE www.lobogunleather.com.

Thanks to all for the comments and interest. Over 4600 views and over 60 replies!

 

[Black Knight]

I believe the Tom Threepersons holster is still being made. I believe that El Paso Sadlery still makes it.

 

[photoman]

I like them. Currently own three from EPS. I do like the carving and lining. I wouldn't have much interest over $125 or so.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

If you go this route, you should offer a choice of either the thong hammer loop, or a snap strap like EPS does. Choices make sales.

I would definately be interested in them for several of my guns.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Originally posted by Black Knight:
I believe the Tom Threepersons holster is still being made. I believe that El Paso Sadlery still makes it.

You are right. El Paso Saddlery still makes this style. Don Hume still makes this style. Last I heard, S.D. Myres (the original maker) still makes this style.

This style evolved to include hammer thongs, retention straps with snaps, (and eventually) into the thumb-break duty holsters of the 1970's to present day use.

Many folks are using holsters based upon the Threepersons design without ever hearing the gentleman's name credited for that design!

My point is that the style has evolved over the past 90 years-or-so, so how many folks might appreciate having a truly correct application of the original design? Also, what might be a reasonable price point (so that I can negotiate a contract with the artist who will do the work to the standards of the original, pay that person properly for the work, and still deliver a completed product at a price that the knowledgeable buyer will appreciate).

 

[Dan Cash]

Back in the day when I was much younger, I had an old SD Meyers (I think) threepersons. It was pretty well worn when I got it and, being young, I lusted after spiffy. The holster went away but it was surely nice. I would like another but it will not come from EP Saddlery.

 

[Wickahoney]

The first non State agency I worked for in the early 70s issued Model 19s. I had leather for "N" frames. The chief went down in the basement and came back with an original Myers holster, Tom Threeperson $' "K" frame black with carving and lining. I carried it for several years and got teased about the floral carving instead of basket weave stamped.

I'll take mine in browm n with deluxe carving with the black background and of course lined.

When I left the chief told me to keep it. "Hell, your the only guy that would ever wear it , especially on duty".

It's still out there in my leather box, somewhere.

You'll have to meet or come in jsut under EPs price point in order to be competaative. With old timers like me you might get a premium but anybody under 50 doesn't remember this tuff or care much, or at least that's been my observation.

RWT

 

[GLL]

Tom Threepersons from El Paso !

Jerry

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Yea Jerry! That 4" holster is exactly what I want for several of my guns, though I prefer a thumb snap, or snap strap for my own use. Very nice.

Lobo-
if you can make them reasonably priced, with that quality, I'm in!

 

[fyimo]

Beautiful Holsters Jerry

 

[andyo5]

It is an attractive holster, but I would not carry a gun with the trigger fully exposed as it is on the Tom Threepersons design.
Just my preference.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Thanks for all the comments and input.

El Paso Saddlery produces only the best quality leather products. I make some very nice holsters, but I won't even pretend to offer any competition to the artists at EPS!

The Threepersons style from EPS retails now at $72, and the floral-style (Sheridan) hand-carving adds $75 to $95. As was pointed out by one poster above, many folks find this a bit steep, and I would have to keep the prices down to draw much interest.

So, I continue to work on a collaborative agreement with an artist to do the carving. If I can work out a deal on that, I may be able to meet at least some of the demand for this classic style at a reasonable price.

Over the past 90 years just about every holster maker in the US produced this style, most of them never crediting the designer or the original makers. I prefer to give credit where it is due, so I always refer to my product as "my presentation" of the Threepersons style.

I appreciate all of the input. I did not make this post to solicit orders, but I know that there are many forum members who are quite knowledgeable, so I sought the advice of those members.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Originally posted by andyo5:
It is an attractive holster, but I would not carry a gun with the trigger fully exposed as it is on the Tom Threepersons design.
Just my preference.

I'm just the opposite. I won't carry a gun in a holster that covers the trigger. I want to reach it as soon as possible when needed in a hurry, and covering the trigger slows the draw from the extra drag/bind, even from a quality holster. With a snap strap or thumb snap, or even a thong over the hammer, there's no chance of an A/D. I've carried that way for 30 years, through some brutal cover in Alaska with zero trouble.

 

[oldRoger]

What I would like is a Threepersons style to fit the third generation smiths, specifically the 4.25" barrels, 1076 4566 etc. By the way that would probably fit the SIG P220 as well.
EPS does very good work, I don't think quite up to Lawrence standards. I have one of Lawrence's modifications on the Threepersons theme. Personally I don't think you have to be a whole lot under EPS prices, carving is not cheap now or was it then.
If you decide to make them, I will volunteer to be your, guinea pig/tester.
Another holster that I think is not to be found anywhere is the Jordan variation of the river holster. Last time I did a search there were people trying to get them from Australia. My old Hume is in demand.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Are ya'll saying they make a holster design other than Threepersons?!?

 

[feralmerril]

I think this is a threepersons style. It is a El Paso. It is for a 4" K frame. I keep my 3" model 66-3 from the performance center in it. By the way it also fits my shortbarreled cimmeron thunderer well, m&p and a couple of colts.

 

[feralmerril]

While we are at it, not a threepersons, but I had Alphonso build me this rig many years ago for my 2 1/2" python. He could make up a threepersons rig as well.
http://www.vintagegunleather.c...ollywood_history.htm

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

feralmerril-
you have an El Paso Saddelry "Duke" holster in the first photo. It is different from the 1920 Tom Threepersons, or 1930 Austin in design. The scallop near the trigger is a give away, along with the loop with their logo.

 

[feralmerril]

You are probley right. I bought mine at a gunshow, a guy was wearing it. Back then, I belive I gave him $50.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Originally posted by oldRoger:
What I would like is a Threepersons style to fit the third generation smiths, specifically the 4.25" barrels, 1076 4566 etc. By the way that would probably fit the SIG P220 as well.
EPS does very good work, I don't think quite up to Lawrence standards. I have one of Lawrence's modifications on the Threepersons theme. Personally I don't think you have to be a whole lot under EPS prices, carving is not cheap now or was it then.
If you decide to make them, I will volunteer to be your, guinea pig/tester.
Another holster that I think is not to be found anywhere is the Jordan variation of the river holster. Last time I did a search there were people trying to get them from Australia. My old Hume is in demand.

Ah, the Bill Jordan-designed River Holster! Another classic! Isn't Don Hume still producing these? Don Hume collaborated with Chief Inspector Jordan for many years; I would expect that they would continue to offer this style, even if only on special order.

Can't beat Don Hume's quality and service.

How many of you have read Jordan's book "No Second Place Winner"? If you haven't yet, you should.