Slim Jim or California
The Scout Slim Jim Holster This open-topped pattern commonly known as the "Slim Jim" established a design/construction style for the frontier west. The holster came in two versions but the popularity of the open-topped over the full-flapped variation showed the vast differences in conditions and usage between the civilized east and the wild and wooly frontier west. The guns of this time were extremely susceptible to moisture due to the percussion ignition of firing and thanks to the hundreds of miners living in the sometime lawless mining towns in California, Montana and Colorado who needed ready access to their firearms the open-topped design was the most popular even if it didn't protect the gun from moisture. Being able to pull your gun more quickly than the other guy was much more important than the flap covering the entire upper body of the gun to keep it dry. The holsters almost immediately were designed with a variation that added curves to the design which was intended to shroud the revolver's cylinder and percussion caps which helped keep it dry but still allowed ready access to the grip and trigger. The percussion cap revolver was the norm until well into the 1860's.
The "California/Slim Jim" design is the first holster to incorporate decorative elements, initially with just decorative toe plugs in brass, silver or gold. Then elaborately hand-carved detailing started appearing of animals, patriotic themes and fern patterns which is believed to have come from the Mexican influence. By the mid 1860's floral and border motifs were common, and later still many holsters started featuring a simple stamped or rolled border with a single design element in the corner such as a rosette. The "California/Slim Jim" pattern started appearing more eastward around this time, becoming popular not only in the mining camps of the Rocky Mountains but also throughout the Southwest and Great Plains. Eventually during the Civil War it appeared as far east as Kansas and Missouri. By the 1870's the "California/Slim Jim" holster began being replaced by the new "Mexican Loop" holster designs that came out with the introduction of the metal cartridge and cartridge belts. *Note: Although the "California" is similar to the military holster it evolved independently and earlier than the official military version. The two holsters do have similar features such as a deep, contour-fit body, riveted and/or sewn belt loops and toe plugs.
The Slim Jim Holster and Gun Belt was also known as The California. In the early days of the west guns were usually carried in a pommel or saddlebag holster. But as revolver advancement were made and they became more manageable saddle makers designed a more accessible and efficient hip holster. The first true western style holster was the "California". These were slender in profile and had a deep form-fitting body with sewn in toe plugs to keep debris out and help secure the gun. The holster was mounted on a belt by a leather loop sewn on the back. The "California" was also known as the "Slim Jim". Most of these western holsters were embellished. Designs went form plain to heavy complex carving or stamping. The "California" was replaced in the 1870's with the advent of the cartridge for hand guns.
