Mystery Barton’s Special

Joined
May 16, 2005
Messages
15,931
Reaction score
38,808
Location
Oregon
Last year, in June, SAFireman very generously ran a karma for a Barton's Special for a Colt Detective Special, saying "I have a very nice, floral carved holster. I bought this thinking that it would fit a K frame - it does not. One of our esteemed forum experts thinks that it may fit a Colt Detective Special."

I have a Detective Special, 2nd model, entered the karma, and was fortunate enough to win it, much to my delighted surprise. All SAFireman asked in return was that I post a photo of my DS in the holster. I promised to do so after returning to the US from my Japan residence.

Here it is:







I also asked resident expert Turnerriver to offer his opinion on the piece. Having seen the holster, he initially explained, from memory: "It is at least a high quality copy of a Barton's Special holster as made by S.D. Myres, it may have been made by Myres..." Then, after further reviewing photos: "My guess is that your holster is a copy of a Myres holster, a very good high quality copy. Holsters were ordered without a maker's logo and of course some leather workers moonlighted so your holster could be an unattributed Myres or a well made knockoff. It's a nice one no matter who made it."

I think it a very fine holster indeed, and I am delighted to have won the karma, but.... I am not sure it is meant for a DS. While it slips in easily enough, it is not a snug fit around the trigger guard. And it will fall right out if held upside down

I am thinking maybe we need to continue the search for the correct handgun. Or, am I just unfamiliar with how these vintage holsters fit?

What say you?

 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Beautiful work and just the gun for it. I wouldn't put too much stock in the fact that it isn't form-fitting. I recall that Milt Sparks used retention without a strap or thong as a selling point for his Summer Special 30-odd years ago. Up to that time retention was accomplished either with of those devices or a "gimmick" like the trigger guard catch on the Jaypee or a clamshell.

Oddly we went from that to various levels of mechanical retention (scientific gimmicks) for open carry Milt's approach became standard for concealed.
 
Does not appear to seat all the way . Trigger guard does not seat all the way . Did you try a J frame ? J frames being just slightly smaller , it may seat deeper and fit more snug . Or , ...it could just be the pictures . .

Eddie
 
Last edited:
Got a 640-1 in Hawaii, but not here. All I have here in Oregon is the DS and an M65. I'm thinking could be a J-frame, too. Or, maybe a small auto?
 
I have this one that was supposed to fit the model 10 with 2" barrel,
but you can see it is a little loose. I don't worry though because of
the retention strap. It has the nice carving and lacing. Only stamp on
it on the back says MEXICO.
Anyone have a guess who made it? My guess would be Reyes.
The little belt is Sheridan style carved and from Justin,
 

Attachments

  • SAM_0926.jpg
    SAM_0926.jpg
    103.8 KB · Views: 175
I am glad that you finally mated it with a Colt....I am somewhat puzzled as the best experts from the SWCA thought that it was for a Colt DS.

I guess that it is going to be a mystery for a while. Keep us posted on any new developments....I just know that there is a really cool gun to go with that holster.

...ps.....your photos are far better than mine ;)
 
Onomea,
The holster is very nice and you are fortunate to have it. I, too, think the gun needs to seat a little further down in the holster. When you find out what model does that, the retention will obviously be much better. JMHO.

BTW, I would think traveling between Hawaii, Japan, and Oregon would be fun and tiring. I would like to try it.......for a while.:)
Larry
 
I have no idea what it fits, but my first thought from first glance was the DS didn't fit properly. Neat holster though.
 
Nice holster rig

might try a Colt Bankers Special..........based on the Police Positive not PPSpecial so Shorter in frame and cylinder.......
 
Back
Top