Striving for authenticity

Dutchman Dick · December 02, 2008, 05:47:05 AM

Hi, all! I've been doing leatherwork off-and-on for the last 20 years or so. Now that I am into CAS, I'm looking for truly authentic holster and accessory patterns - stuff that would actually have been used from 1866-1900, military and civilian. I also am looking for tooling and stamping patterns appropriate for that time period. I know how to make holsters, and have made some pretty good ones, but now I'm striving for authenticity.

Can anybody help me out here, or at least point me in the right direction? Our local shooting club does CAS matches from May-September, and I'd like to try to make up some stuff to sell to members or give out as prizes at shoots.

Thanks!

santee · December 02, 2008, 06:28:21 AM

Patterns from http://www.willghormley-maker.com

Whiskey Creek Adams · December 02, 2008, 06:37:22 AM

Get Rattenbury's book Packing Iron: Gun Leather of the Frontier West. This is the seminal, definitive book on this subject and full of pictures of period holsters (design, tooling and stamping) with their histories, development and makers.

http://www.amazon.com/Packing-Iron-Leather-Frontier-West/dp/0939549085

JD Alan · December 02, 2008, 08:32:40 AM

Another nod for Will Ghormley, especially if you already know what you are doing working leather. Tandy carries all his pattenrs, if you happen to have a store within diving distance. Will really strives for period correct gear, and he knows his stuff.

outrider · December 02, 2008, 02:41:42 PM

JD,

As far as I know Tandy only carrie s a few of his patterns. There are numerous ones that they used to handle but have dropped them.

I see that Hide Crafter also has a line of pattern packs...Brazos Jack's..I believe these are patterns by Jim Simmons.

knucklehead · December 02, 2008, 04:27:21 PM

I second Will Ghormley patterns. they are easy to understand and fit the specified handguns well.
I have made a few using his patterns. i didnt use his carving patterns because i decided to use my own design.

You can also purchase his patterns from his website. If nothing else his website is worth to checkout. He also made the holsters for the movie 3:10 to Yuma. here is his website:
www.willghormley-maker.com

Dutchman Dick · December 02, 2008, 05:22:53 PM

Thanks, all!

JD Alan · December 03, 2008, 12:39:35 AM

Hey there Outrider! Good to hear from you. I sure do appreciate all your posts. Comparing what Will has on his website to my Portland, Oregon Tandy store, you are correct, they don't have everything he has listed on his site. They stock the Old West Collection, and a few other holster patterns.

As Knucklehead can tell you, we've got a great Tandy store in our city. Donna and Duram are both a great help, especially to a new guy like myself.

God bless, JD

outrider · December 03, 2008, 07:12:54 AM

Howdy JD,

The Tandy/Leather Factory store here in Chattanooga is where it all started. This is store #1. I think what they are doing is re-stocking only the patterns that are selling and have eliminated numerous ones that didn't sell well. The local sotre here had one occasion gotten in over-stocks from other locations just to sell them. With the exception of the Buscadaro Rig pattern I believe I have all of Will's patterns. I also have several patterns from Jim Simmons (Brazos Jack) sold by Hide Crafter.

My point is if you want a good selection of Will's pattern packs go directly through him for them. For example the Frank James pattern pack was never sold by Tandy.

JD Alan · December 03, 2008, 09:12:35 AM

Those are good points Outrider. I've purchased several of Will's patterns, including the Black Canyon rig. By using the Tandy store, you get a chance to look at them first hand. Will lets you know up front his patterns are for people with some degree of leathercraft skill. I don't posses those skills yet, so I've not done anything with his patterns, though I plan to one day. I've spoken with Will via e-mail, and he's a great guy. We share an interest in the gospel. I'm a full time pastor, have been for 20 years. Will makes no secret about his committment to the Lord, and he's done some great writing, which he has available on his website.

After conversing with Jim Simmons, again via e-mail, I bought one of his patterns, which comes with an excellent instruction disc. I'm working with his pattern now, for a couple of belts and some holsters. Jim is also a very helpful guy, and I appreciate the time he's taken to answer some of my "newbie" questions.

I also must mention Chuck Barrows DVD on holsters. I've wached it twice, taking notes, and will do so again. Talk about money well spent!

All in all you just can't beat the guys on this forum to help you out. Thanks again for your help Outrider, JD