A "new / old" holster for an old Colt

bedbugbilly · March 25, 2011, 06:12:02 PM

I know that this forum is for SA shooting - so I'm not going to say what this holster fits other than the revolver is 101 years old.

Actually, I'm showing off the leatherwork, not the pistol - it just happens to "be there". I wanted a "flap style holster" to protect the grips on this old warrior when I shoot it at the range. (Colt Army Special - 6" barrel - 38 spl. - O.K. I spilled the beans). I wanted the holster to look "old" and still go with the cartridge belt I just finished so I could "swap" the holster for the New Vaquero when I wanted to swap pistols. I had an original "flap" holster from an old Belgium Colt that I had inherited - a mass produced, lightweight flap holster from the late 1800s or early 1900s so I felt it was "appropriate" for a pistol made in 1910. I used that holster to develop my pattern from. I "distressed" the holster while it was still damp from the casing utilizing my crushed stone yard here in AZ and a heavy foot.

I used the antique saddle tan finish on it, followed by virgin olive oil, a coat of Lexol and a top coat of walnut colored paste wax. It fits the pistol very well and I like the way it will protect the original grips from damage. The copper rivet on the underside of the flap for the flap strap falls between the grip frame and the rear of the triggerguard so it will not harm the finish on the pistol. The belt loop is sewn on. Next winter, I'm planning on making a "civilian" flap similar to this for my '51 Colt Navy only I'lll use a period correct "acorn finial" for the stud fastener on that one. Thanks for taking a gander!

bedbugbilly · March 25, 2011, 06:19:07 PM

a couple more . . .

I was a little hesitant when I "distressed" my first holster but everyone who has seen them, says they love the "look" of them. I did several before this one and the one I did for my New Vaquero. All I do is take them when they are still "cased" and the leather is moist, lay them "hair side" down on the crushed stone "lawn" that I have, and step on them. I check to make sure I don't "overdo" it. I like to use the eco flo Antique Saddle Tan and it catches and darkens the low spots caused by the stones. It gives a "used" look to them and I've been very happy with the results so far. Not for everyone, I know, but on a "plainer holster", it adds some "wear and character".

WaddWatsonEllis · March 25, 2011, 06:45:12 PM

BedBug Billy,

I had just run into the exact problem that I might just have a solution for ... I had an old Hunter holster for a pocket pistol that looked pretty authentic once I took off the safety strap and had the snap filled in ... The filled area looked like an old Maker's Mark.

The only thing that gave it away was the snap that held the loop together that held the back and belt loop around the bottom of the holster.

I was whining about it at my local Tandy, and they said that they had an answer: The had an adapter that replaced the 'female' side of the strap, and allowed a Concho of your choice to be connecte ... The pistol was sold before I got to try it out, but it is non my list the next time that I get something with snaps on it

Here is the part on Tandy's Website ....

http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/search/searchresults/11383-00.aspx

TwoWalks Baldridge · March 25, 2011, 08:10:19 PM

Bedbug Billy , I like. You did a great job of making it look old. Mine end up with a similar pattern in the leather from finger nails.

KidTerico · March 25, 2011, 08:53:31 PM

Bedbug Billy Nice job , great color. KT

Johnny McCrae · March 26, 2011, 02:32:26 AM

Very nice! This Holster has a real nifty "old time" look to it. Thanks for sharing.

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · March 26, 2011, 11:24:00 AM

WOW that really looks aged, great job Billy and your design looks good

tEN wOLVES

Wolf Tracker · March 26, 2011, 04:33:46 PM

Billy nice holster, I really like the way your distressing technique looks.

Marshal Will Wingam · March 31, 2011, 11:17:23 AM

Your distressing looks really good. Nice work. That's a first class holster, very suitable for a classic.

WaddWatsonEllis · April 27, 2011, 07:20:39 PM

Bedbug Billy,

I had a similar project ... a friend's friend had found an old Colt in a box of Mattel Hot Wheels ... the long story is that the local gunsmith said he would give him $35 .... so he(my pard) bought it for about that and sent it to David Chicoine ... who said it would be around $800 to fix it ... he tried politely to ask if it was worth repair ... Mr Chicoine replied that my friend had bought an 1883 Colt SAA .... worth at least $3K by his opinion.

So my friend had it cleaned and put in working order ... all serial #s match by the way ...and knowing that he was over his buget ... (WAY over his budget according to his wife *S*), I got the pleasure of making a left (he is a lefty) Johnny Ringo rig holster, and gave him and old El Paso cartridge belt and all my old .45 bullets ... so he is set up and happy as a bug in a rug ... nothing intended Billy ...*S*

And here is a pic of the completed rig with the Colt in it