Identifying an old holster

[first-model]

Hey everyone,

I picked up a 1951 vintage Pre-Model 10 today. It came with this holster, which unfortunately doesn't have a maker's mark on it anywhere.

A lot of the stitching on it has been redone, but that's probably to be expected as the gun was carried by a police detective for almost 20 years. It seems well made and it looks a hundred times better now that I worked some leather conditioner into it.

Does anyone have any idea who might have made it? Long shot, I know, but it never hurts to ask.

Mike

 

[Alk8944]

Could be just about any maker, saddler, harness shop, etc. After someone butchered it as you see it now it really doesn't matter. It could even be home made from scratch.

 

[Inusuit]

The retaining strap and snap appear to have been added later as the wear doesn't match the rest of the holster.

As Alk8984 says there are no distinguishing features that could tie it a known maker.

If the black stitching at the top is original, it wasn't done with a machine. The white replacement stitching is hand done. The random stamps may also be an indication that the holster was "home made," and not the product of shop. If the holster is contemporary to the revolver, most shops in that era would have had sewing machines for leather work.

 

[rednichols]

Yes very likely home made and has the resonance of Texas-sourced. Posting a pic of the backside will help, all makers 'sign' the backsides in the way they contour then sew the belt loop tab. That 'stitching at the top' is lacing .

 

[first-model]

Thanks guys. Here's a photo of the back of the holster. My gut tells me that it could indeed be a "homemade" holster, or one done by a local leatherworker.

Mike

 

[rednichols]

Thanks guys. Here's a photo of the back of the holster. My gut tells me that it could indeed be a "homemade" holster, or one done by a local leatherworker.

Mike

Pro made but only faintly like one of the TX makers and none of the best-known ones. Have to put this one down to 'dunno' on my part .

 

[first-model]

Pro made but only faintly like one of the TX makers and none of the best-known ones. Have to put this one down to 'dunno' on my part .

I very much appreciate the effort! I don't mind if it's a locally made rig ... adds a lot of charm.

Mike

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Thanks guys. Here's a photo of the back of the holster. My gut tells me that it could indeed be a "homemade" holster, or one done by a local leatherworker.

Mike

I expected to see a typical Threepersons style folded over belt loop, or “fender” stitched at exact width of a pants belt of choice. But this is strange how it’s full length as the holster in back. How wide a belt does it accommodate? BTW, that well used gun from the early 50s era is just the way I like them. Well used. But hopefully excellent mechanically.

 

[first-model]

I expected to see a typical Threepersons style folded over belt loop, or “fender” stitched at exact width of a pants belt of choice. But this is strange how it’s full length as the holster in back. How wide a belt does it accommodate? BTW, that well used gun from the early 50s era is just the way I like them. Well used. But hopefully excellent mechanically.

I'm pretty sure that a 2" belt would fit fine in the loop.

The gun had a ton of varnish and gunk in it, which is expected in a gun that old that probably sat in a drawer for decades. But the action feels really nice, and it has responded to a gentle cleaning very well. I'm cleaning the frame and barrel now and should have it back together in the next day or so.

I plan to keep it in its original state of finish. Twenty years worth of duty carry wear looks absolutely fantastic, in my opinion.

Mike

 

[Wyatt Burp]

I'm pretty sure that a 2" belt would fit fine in the loop.

The gun had a ton of varnish and gunk in it, which is expected in a gun that old that probably sat in a drawer for decades. But the action feels really nice, and it has responded to a gentle cleaning very well. I'm cleaning the frame and barrel now and should have it back together in the next day or so.

I plan to keep it in its original state of finish. Twenty years worth of duty carry wear looks absolutely fantastic, in my opinion.

Mike

Good going. Every scratch and ding in an old gun, especially a LEO gun like this, is testimony to someone in the past who used and depended on it.

 

[DGNY]

To the OP. Thank you for sharing with us this righteous, well seasoned revolver and holster. I imagine it/they could tell many a captivating story.

The stocks/grips look so classic for the period, with the checkering matured through days and months on the job, details only in our imaginations.

If you find time and inclination, I imagine a Big 45 Frontier metal cleaning pad with some light oil, gently applied (with the wood removed), could dispel some of the over-oxidized patina of years past.

May it serve you well for many years to come. BTW, Range reports are always most appreciated.

 

[first-model]

To the OP. Thank you for sharing with us this righteous, well seasoned revolver and holster. I imagine it/they could tell many a captivating story.

The stocks/grips look so classic for the period, with the checkering matured through days and months on the job, details only in our imaginations.

If you find time and inclination, I imagine a Big 45 Frontier metal cleaning pad with some light oil, gently applied (with the wood removed), could dispel some of the over-oxidized patina of years past.

May it serve you well for many years to come. BTW, Range reports are always most appreciated.

Thank you! The revolver is being cleaned with the utmost of care and love. Each part gets gently bathed in cleaner, scrubbed with the mildest of abrasives (mostly a baby toothbrush with a very judicious application of copper wool where necessary), dried, carefully lubricated, and assembled with the utmost of care. The blued parts are getting several coats of Renaissance Wax. All the while, I've been gently working a natural leather conditioner into the holster to restore its natural suppleness.

And yes, I'll follow up with a range report. The action feels silky-smooth and the bore is bright and shiny, and I have every intention of putting some wadcutters through it.

Mike