vintage flap holster Question

[lowhog]

This came along with a pre-war 38/44 n frame outdoorsman I just purchased.Stamped on the belt loop 306c 38 6 It is tooled along the edge.It also has a brass stud.My guess the holster is pre war.I bought the od from the original owners daughter inlaw.I was told the holster has been with the gun from day one.Any Idea on the holster maker.

 

[Oyeboteb]

Can you post a view of the back side of the Holster?

 

[2152hq]

Reminds me of the type of holsters that Sears and Montgomery Wards sold.
Lighter weight leather and stitching. Generic fit to several different guns.
Usually a catalog or reference number marked on the back and some lightly done decorative work around the edges on the front of the holster..

Nice looking holster and it sure fits the gun well.
Flap holsters are a personal favorite.

 

[Oyeboteb]

It appears typical of many 'teens to 'thirties Holsters which were as 2152hq mentions, sold by Sears & Roebuck or various Hardware or Sporting Goods Stores. Usually there is no Maker Stamp or anything to say who made it.

These tend to be my favorites also...they are usually very well made, good looking, lighter weight and softer than what was to follow post War.

Many could have had a little stouter-wider Belt Loop aspect, but, long as they are not over-stressed, ( and long as the Leather is still sound and not dry rotted or oil rotted ) the Belt Loop part should hold up alright.

So, yes, would be a very nice, and an appropriate choice for a pre-War or between-the-Wars Revolver.

 

[lowhog]

I think you guys hit the nail on the head.The belt loop is very small and the tooling is very light.The holster leather is also very thin.It is in almost perfect condition, as is the box and gun.

 

[bettis1]

lowhog,

That looks like an exceptionally nice trio. From what I can see, it looks like all of them spent their life in someone's sock drawer. Condition like that is really appreciated.

Bob

 

[turnerriver]

It was made by Redhead. I have a 1930's catalog I'll check when I get home tonight. They offered A B & C grades & they did make holsters for other concerns. There are a lot of them out there.
They used yellow thread on many of their holsters.
Regards,
turnerriver
SWCA 1426

 

[turnerriver]

Here's a page from my 1939 Redhead catalog.

 

[moosedog]

These are also referred to as "Hardware Store Holsters" because of where they were sold.

 

[lowhog]

Turnerriver thank you for the info.And Bob thank you.I have some paperwork I will get posted when I get a chance.Also what would be a good asking price for the holster?I do not plan on using it.Mike

 

[bamabiker]

Nice old holster.
Looks like turnerriver's catalog ad shows that very one on the far left with the embossed design. That is a little different from tooling but it can look nice.
Interested to see some opinions on value.

 

[turnerriver]

I found 2 recent sales on eBay- one Redhead flap holster for a Colt .25 auto sold for $27 & one 304B flap holster sold for $33.
Neither were as nice as this one & this one is a more desirable size. I would expect it to bring $50.
Regards,
turnerriver