Red, I mentioned above that I had just received a holster off of eBay that was advertised as a "Tom Threepersons" from El Paso Saddlery. I don't know much about holster design, but for what it's worth, here is a shot of it on my Colt Commander. It fits very snugly, and has a fairly thick welt. I suppose the safety strap is not authentic, but seems to serve a purpose. I think that this may be a "second", because the numbers on the back have x's through them. That's ok, I just needed a holster for the range, so it works for that.
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Best Regards, Les
With apologies to the OP, jeeps, ... I hope I'm not hi-jacking your thread, but I find this topic of the Threpersons holster fascinating. Also, just like your Government Model, my Commander is in 38 Super. Quite a coincidence, as this seems to be a much under appreciated caliber, even though there were many Texas Rangers and other early Lawmwn who appreciated the cartridge!!
For Red: Here is what I guess you call the welt. It seems to be two layers of thick leather, and the holster seems to be both robust and delicate, if you know what I mean. I was quite amazed at the workmanship and minimalist look to it. The lining seems to be something like soft glove leather.
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Best Regards, Les
Hi there. . .I am jeeps son and I am new to the forum. Thank you for the great comments. I have to say it is an absolute honor to have comments posted by red nichols. I have followed his work and love his design and history. All you guys out there should check out his site if you have not already, it is like holster porn.lol. anyhow, i 'll take any advice or suggestions I can get as I am just starting off in the holster hobby. Attached is a couple more 1911s I just finished.
Yes, gorgeous. I've long been interested that with John's No. 2, of which this EPS is a copy, he's long touted that he thereby 'invented' the first concealment holster for the 1911 -- yet not only was it not the first but it was mainly marketed as a field holster (with 2-1/4" wide belt slot to suit).
The strap on yours doesn't detract from the threepersons definition, not least because the original threepersons styles from Myres -- there were many -- several had straps, and the auto always had a strap. The No. 2 started out strapless and had a strap added to it within a decade or so.
Here below left is an early, well worn, Myres Threepersons
with not only the safety strap, but also the hammer protector.
To the right it is shown hosting my model 67 Combat Masterpiece,
accessorized with a Sparks gunbelt and Benchmade knife.