Seeking Help With Older Jay Pee Model OP-4 Holster

[dpast32]

Hello Guys, I have a quick question regarding an 'assumed' older Jay Pee manufactured 'Duty style' Holster which I would like to date, even if approximately ? The guy says it's an NYPD Rig, but I don't think so myself, unless of course it was one of their earlier types, prior to the familiar 'Clamshell' style, black leather Jay Pee models which almost made the gun disappear within it. ( Although no safety strap, & or closure on it. ) It does have a feature I've always tended to like, which is very similar, if not exactly as the old Audley models which included a metal 'snap' spring, for lack of a better description, which snapped over the guns trigger guard to firmly retain it, until press released by the operator. And that's the Jay Pee model I'm referring to. It's black leather, marked 'OP-4' which has to indicate a 4" Colt Official Police. Does any happen to have an idea as to this particular Holster's period of production ? It's in quite nice condition, & I can own for for a little less than $30 ? I currently have 2 4" O.P.'s & thought it might be of some use, even if for display purposes ? THANK YOU Folks

Best, Dom P.

 

[turnerriver]

The style of holster you're describing was popular in the 1950's, Audley's patent for the trigger lock must have run out around then as a number of makers started offering copies. Any photos available ?
Regards,

 

[dpast32]

UPDATE ~ PHOTOS Of 4" COLT OFFICIAL POLICE HOLSTER IN QUESTION.

THANK YOU Guys !!

Best, Dom P.

 

[Ameshawki]

The design dates back to 1914. Was quite popular in its day, it was official issue for NYPD for a while. Folsom was the original manufacturer, Jay Pee took over probably when the patents expired. Supposedly built into the 60's but I'm not convinced. They turn up on eBay and other sources from time to time.

 

[dpast32]

THANK YOU very much my Friend, I appreciate it ! I have a suspicion, based primarily on its condition that it probably dates to the late 1960's, perhaps even 1970's, if of course that is even possible ? I can own relatively cheaply, & thought it might a nice companion to either of my 1940's era O.P.'s. Naturally I would never even think about inserting either Revolver into this Holster without first applying a piece of thick black Duct / Duck Tape wrapped around the relevant portion of the trigger guard which would come into contact with the 'Audley lock'. That way there's no permanent damage to the guns finish, & just remove the tape when you're all done with that particular Holster. THANKS !!

Best, Dom P.

 

[Ameshawki]

I'd say 50's. 70's would be way to late, I really can't see 60's but I suppose it's possible. The Audley style was mostly a 20's and 30's kind of thing.

 

[dpast32]

You're estimate is probably without doubt much more accurate. My guess was based primarily on the Holsters overall appearance & condition, but I have to admit that I've owned several Holsters manufactured in the 1940's & appeared as if they were made the day before !! In that case, I probably should go & buy it, as I can walk away with it for just $29.00. I guess that's not too bad for an older example in such decent condition ? THANKS AGAIN, I appreciate your kind input.

Best, Dom P.

 

[SG-688]

A 1968 ad from Bucheimer showing an Audley style holster. 1968.
In the middle with a Hank Sloan just above to the left.

 

[rednichols]

Indeed the early 20th century is the origin of the Audley who was a belt maker to NYPD by trade, then branched out into gunleather. In 1920 or so the holster was mandated for all officers when one was shot with his own revolver, but by that point Audley had been acquired by Folsom after Audley's bankruptcy then death -- hence the Folsom Audley that is commonly encountered.

JayPee is a brand name of the Courtlandt Boot Jack since the early 1950s and all indications are that Courtlandt is still registered in the State of NY. The succession was Audley, Folsom, Courtlandt, JayPee; and Service Mfg Corp is in there somewhere, too. These were even made by them with the Colt's trademark on them, for Colt's own line 1960 or so.

So an Audley patent holster with the JayPee name is certainly not earlier than the '50s. JayPee is "JP" who was John Parlante of Italy in NYC.

 

[dpast32]

THANK YOU for your reply, I really appreciate the add into. Unfortunately, I'm guessing that someone read my Post & deduced where it listed for sale & immediately grabbed it before I had a chance to get back to it myself !! I went back to the listing & it was 'bought now' about 7 minutes earlier!! I could be wrong, but it 'smells' a bit funny to me ? Ohh well, live & learn right !!

Best, Dom P.

 

[Ameshawki]

Indeed the early 20th century is the origin of the Audley who was a belt maker to NYPD by trade, then branched out into gunleather. In 1920 or so the holster was mandated for all officers when one was shot with his own revolver, but by that point Audley had been acquired by Folsom after Audley's bankruptcy then death -- hence the Folsom Audley that is commonly encountered.

JayPee is a brand name of the Courtlandt Boot Jack since the early 1950s and all indications are that Courtlandt is still registered in the State of NY. The succession was Audley, Folsom, Courtlandt, JayPee; and Service Mfg Corp is in there somewhere, too. These were even made by them with the Colt's trademark on them, for Colt's own line 1960 or so.

So an Audley patent holster with the JayPee name is certainly not earlier than the '50s. JayPee is "JP" who was John Parlante of Italy in NYC.

I've accumulated a fair stash of the various New York makers over the years. Tracking who's who and when's when is a challenge to say the least. The Audley style probably stayed in production far longer than it should have. NY holster design seemed to lag the rest of the country by twenty years, if not more. It's only been within the last year or so that NYPD finally told the revolver hold outs they had to switch, and as far as I can tell they were still using the Jay Pee antique they've used since Eisenhower was President.

 

[Vtgw938]

Well made holster and quite secure, if only your finger didn't have to be in the trigger guard. I found this at an antique mall. It is not the one OP was looking at.

 

[Vtgw938]

To be clear, the holster I posted is not the one the OP was looking at. I've had this one for a little while.