Vintage Bucheimer "Dirty Harry" Style Holster

[WCCPHD]

While perusing the "holster boxes" at a gun show this afternoon I found a Bucheimer Shoulder Holster with the cut out for the cylinder. It is for a four inch N frame S&W. The holster itself is almost new with only a few handling marks. I'm not sure about the shoulder harness, it could be original, but all the photos I have seen have a leather off side tie down and this one has a white elastic strap that goes around the opposite shoulder.

The holster was marked $45 and I got it for $40 OTD. Hopefully I did OK on it.

My questions: Did they made this style holster with the white elastic strap or is what is on it a replacement? Second, does anyone know where I could find an original leather tie down for the holster? Lastly, do these style holsters have any collector value?

Thanks,

Bill

 

[lrrifleman]

IIRC, the "Dirty Harry" style holsters were made by "Jack *** Leather", not by Bucheimer. I don't remember which holster company acquired "Jack ***". I believe that all of the older Bucheimer shoulder holsters came with the white elastic straps, I do know that mine did. I can't address collector value.

 

[Arisin Wind]

Your holster is a later version. The harness was changed from the leather hook to the belt type to the over and around the shoulder elastic type.

The "Dirty Harry" holster was started by Clark in the 1940's. Various companies have copied and put out their versions. Bucheimer acquired Clark in the late 60's early 70's. They continued some of Clark's designs.

I use to make a duplicate of the harness to replace the elastic strap but haven't in awhile.

You got that holster at a good price.

 

[bwelch47]

IIRC, the "Dirty Harry" style holsters were made by "Jack *** Leather", not by Bucheimer. I don't remember which holster company acquired "Jack ***". I believe that all of the older Bucheimer shoulder holsters came with the white elastic straps, I do know that mine did. I can't address collector value.[/
Galco is the successor to Jack***.

 

[WCCPHD]

I found this thread today and it answers most of my questions.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/87619-dirty-harry-shoulder-holster-5.html

Also, I tried the holster with my guns and based on fit I don't think its for a .44 as the cylinder does not fit the cut out. I initially thought it was for a four inch model 29 but it actually fits a Model 27 six inch barrel perfectly. On a four inch 357 length cylinder gun there is a bit of room at the bottom of the holster. It will work for my four inch 610, even though there is a bit of space at the bottom. A six inch 629 will fit, but the top of the cylinder will not completely fit in the cutout.

All in all, I think I got a deal and will use it for hunting.

 

[Arisin Wind]

What is the number stamped on the holster?

 

[WCCPHD]

What is the number stamped on the holster?

01 313 86 L

 

[Arisin Wind]

The "86" was used by B-C for 6 inch Magnum revolvers. Caliber specified is 44. Your 629 6 inch should fit.