Looking For...

[Top Kick Ken]

...the 1883 'Ropes'  pattern holster.   

Any US makers out there? 

Only place I've found is a place in the UK called "The Sutler's Stores".

Anyone dealt with them in the past?

Thanks in advance,

Top Kick Ken

[Trailrider]

...the 1883 'Ropes'  pattern holster.   

Any US makers out there? 

Only place I've found is a place in the UK called "The Sutler's Stores".

Anyone dealt with them in the past?

Thanks in advance,

Top Kick Ken

Top Kick,

I am in receipt of your communication, and beg leave to ask a few clarifying questions:

1) For what pistol?  As long it is a single-action, I can help you. (Rugers Old, New, Colt's, etc.)/

2) Per Edward Scott Meadows' book, "U.S. Military Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes", the "Ropes Pattern" was basically a CW style, full flap holster, worn butt rear, with a wide skirt forming the belt loop that is held to the holster body near the bottom by a narrow strap forming a loop that is riveted to the skirt.  In addition, the holster body has cartridge loops sewn to the top of the holster body.  Meadows' opinion is that these holsters were actually made around 1893, but he isn't certain.  He is also of the opinion that Capt. James Ropes was not the originator of this pattern holster, but doesn't know for sure.  In point of fact, there are few differences betweent he Miller-Fachet holster I offer and the Ropes except for the former being open-top and the Ropes having a full flap.  (Also, I generally use a buckle on the strap to facilitate removal of the holster from a belt without having to slide off other items (shotshell belt slides, pouches, etc.)

I personally recommend against having the loops around the top of the holster for two reasons.  First, loading from them would not be SASS-legal; and (2) I personally am concerned about the possibility of hitting a primer with the muzzle of the gun on reholstering.  Whatever...

I remain,

[Top Kick Ken]

Trailrider,

Sir, thanks for the info.   I really don't want it for SASS, per se.  The Miller-Fachet holster is what I will eventually use for my strong side Holster; with the cross draw that I currently use for the second pistol for SASS events.

I am thinking to use this holster as part of living history presentations to illustrate the successful/unsuccessful attempts to modernize equipment that became outdated after the Civil War...this would be used with the wide variety of other holsters, belts and pouches that I have collected over the years from reenactment and SASS/CAS/GAF participation. 

My pistols are single action of the 1873 Colt pattern.  I have a Schofield on order; so that will become my second gun when it finally arrives.  In terms of the presentation, the evolution of sidearms in military (Army) service will be represented by a Walker Dragoon, an 1860 Army, an 1873 Colt, and finally a Schofield pistol.  As the presentation is further developed, the longarms will be expanded from the Springfield Trapdoor carbine and rifle, to include the Krag, and several others.

On a side note, thanks again for the sword belt and other accouterments that I purchased from you a couple of years back, they are still strong and look awesome!  You do fantastic work!!!  With the GAF buckle on them, they look great for GAF impressions.   

Respectfully submitted,

Top Kick Ken
Sergeant Major, Department of the Pacific
Grand Army of the Frontier

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Top, howdy!

I'd love to see your presentation.  Any chance of pictures of your equipment/uniforms, etc. of your various time periods?

Sounds interesting!


1st Sergeant Jeff "Steel Horse Bailey"
GAF, Dept. of the Atlantic
1SG, Cavalry (but not yet listed as such, but approved by GAF Commander US Scout and Commander Bvt. Col. Bull Schmitt)
Member #98

[Cedar County Sheriff]

Sgt. Top Kick,
    I have dealt with the sutler's store in the UK and was very pleased with their products and service. I purchased a fancy officer's shell jacket and a vest from them and both were top quality materials and workmanship, custom taylored to fit me. Give 'em a try!

Col. Douglas Cedar
Commanding Officer
Division of the Pacific Northwest
Dept. of the Pacific

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