Matich Quick Loader and unusual case - for historical interest & maybe nostalgia

[SG-688]

-db- wrote that he was sending me a surprise package that I might find interesting. So when I opened the box, I thought - Cool. A trucker's wallet. And then I took it out of the box...













I was aware of the Matich loader from a 1967 Guns & Ammo, but the case is bizarre. 3 loaders carried horizontally above the snap-on belt loop by the vertical metal strips.

Each strip is marked MATICH “Quick Load” Pat. 3,213,559 MOD 3

The case is stamped 13. The loader size or the model of the case?

The size is approximately K frame - but cartridges bind in my cylinders. So the rubber strips have shrunk over 50 something years, or they start out tight and have to break in --- or they really fit a D frame Colt.

The little I worked with them, difficulty of use seems to be about level with the Hunt/Kel-lite/Safariland all-rubber loader.

Any other comments -db-?

 

[SG-688]

Matich patent

MATICH “Quick Load” Pat. 3,213,559 by Donald Matich



Oct. 26, 1965 D. MATlCH 3,213,559

LOADING DEVICE FOR REVOLVERS Filed April 27, 1964 INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,213,559 LQADlNG DEVICE FQR REVOLVERS Donald Matich, 6148 Monterey Road, Los Angeles, Calif. Filed Apr. 27, 1964, Ser. No. 362,736 4 flaims. (Cl. 42-39) This invention relates to apparatus for simultaneously loading all the chambers in a revolver cylinder with cartridges.

This invention provides a simple and inexpensive belt which can be rolled up to form recesses which hold cartridges that fit into the chambers of a revolver cylinder.

Earlier devices have been designed for this purpose, but they have either been too complex for economical manufacture and simple use, or they have involved individual parts which are easily lost or misplaced.

This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the previous devices by providing a simple, one-piece belt which can be economically manufactured, and which does not require any loose parts to insure positive retention of the cartidges within the belt prior to loading into a revolver.

Briefly, the invention includes an elongated flexible belt with a plurality of longitudinally spaced transverse divider walls extending from one side of the belt. The intermediate portion of each divider wall is concave on opposite faces to form at the end of each wall farthest from the belt a respective rib of greater thickness than the intermediate portion of each wall. Means are provided for releasably [sic] securing the belt in a rolled-up position, so the ribs at the free end of each wall are held closely together, and recesses are formed by the adjacent divider walls for holding cartridges in an arrangement to fit into the revolver cylinder.
...

 

[Pizza Bob]

Thanks for posting this. I have one loader that was given to me in the early 80's by a former Treasury Agent (he was one of the original Sky Marshals - they used CA Bulldogs in .44 Spl). I never even noticed the writing around the loader band until this thread.

While the headstamp says WCC 73, IIRC he told me that this was Super Vel ammo - did they use WCC cases? Or maybe this was a T-load. As you can see it has a sealer around the primers.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[SG-688]

Thanks for the additional picture. You're a better photographer than I am. (I have a camera to take pictures of my guns. I don't have guns in order to have something to photograph....)

My understanding has been that the Winchester "Q" +P+ .38 Treasury Load used military style markings with a year stamp, as did the Illinois State Police 115 gr. 9 mm +P+, and probably others I'm not recalling at the moment. I've only had commercial Super Vel which was all so marked. So maybe, the same as Super Vel....

Also some of the Federal LE 9 and .38 cases were date stamped. That's just my small sample.


One misunderstanding called to my attention. The Matich is designed to be carried rolled up and then unrolled in loading the cylinder. The 6th round won't stay in place until the strip is clipped together.

 

[SG-688]

More nostalgia

Other modern failed speed loader attempts from the recent past. [Skipping the turn of the century Colt and Webly.]

Bucheimer marketed - Salinas Industries made [ht linde] - may be the same as the Feather Touch. 1964. Contemporary tests graded it down for retention when dropped, but a perfectly serviceable loader.



The Hunt/Kel-lite/Safariland all rubber loader that tended to flip cartridges back out of the cylinder when peeling off the loader. I have one for a J frame. This 1963 ad shows their carriers.



The Second Six two-piece plastic loader that could be used sideways and upside down, allegedly issued by CHP and promoted by that 70's survivalist guy ... Mel Tappen, I think.

 

[JAREDSHS]

interesting stuff---thanks for sharing.

 

[SG-688]

Bucheimer speed loader

For posterity - Linde's pictures of his Bucheimer / Salinas speedloaders. Or -- Linde's Loaders.