(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/ColonialScout3/Cowboy%20Stuff/Colt-DA--600.jpg?t=1296425766)
Purchased from an exceptional collection of leather in Texas many years ago this example is hard to beat. Many think the basket weave pattern is indicative of later work however the dies for this pattern were available in the 1880's when I think this holster was made. If you click on the image it will bring up other views one of which shows one of the two rivets used to secure the belt loop. It is copper of the type used in the civil war holsters and use of which was discontinued by the early 1880's. Also the almost straight across cut at the top without the deep "S" curve was only used by the earlier makers. While there is no makers mark on this outstanding holster it deserves a place in a fine collection.
Shotgun - what a great holster! I love the basketweave - something that you don't see that often on a holster that age. I can see the rivet in the one photo but it is dark. Can you advise - is the burr (washer) on the inside of the bucket or on the inside of the belt loop? I'm assuming this has a sewn in toe plug? A fascinating holster and I'm glad you posted pictures of it. The profile is interesting as well! Thanks! :)
Thank you Steve for posting these pictures, this is a very nice example of a period holster, it looks to be well made, and the thread is not the usual thin thread you see on a lot of the older gun leather, this holster doesn't have the sewed in toe plug that was used in the day, and appears to be an open toe, the copper rivet was placed high enough and inset enough to not be a problem in scratching the gun used, the maker went all out in carrying the basket weave all around the bucket, this is a really nice holster to say the least.
tEN wOLVES :D ;D