Earliest Date of Basket Stamp

JD Alan · November 13, 2009, 04:56:36 AM

Does anyone know what time period the basket stamp began to appear on holsters? I find a reference in Packing Iron to 1885, but I wonder if it can be found any earlier than that. Just curious.

St. George · November 13, 2009, 09:32:14 AM

Though the pictures you found on page 92 and 95 of 'Packing Iron' show examples - they also mention the 'possible' manufacturing dates of 1885-1895 and 1895-1905, and in both cases, the makers are unknown.

I'd look to the idea that the style came about very late in the era - I've always associated it with turn-of-the-century leather.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

JD Alan · November 13, 2009, 11:00:14 AM

Thanks St. George, I appreciate the come back!

St. George · November 13, 2009, 11:49:14 AM

De nada...

I always associated basketweave as 'cop leather' and it was perfect for that use, since it doesn't readily show scuffs and minor tears - but it was always 'modern'.

On the other hand, 'cowboy leather' was carved - with floral designs or lines - or plain with a tooled edge, and there was a 'classic' look to the work, rather than a 'machine-stamped' look.

That's just me.

My period-original leather all falls under that criteria - I even use an 'R.T. Frazier' crossdraw that's floral-carved - and the few modern-made pieces I have conform to those styles, as well.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

JD Alan · November 13, 2009, 12:25:09 PM

Since I have you on this thread, what about basket stamping for a Wild Bunch holster?

St. George · November 13, 2009, 05:29:01 PM

I'm the 'wrong' guy to ask about that.

The only holsters of interest to me are period original styles and not modern-day IPSC-inspired stuff.

Maybe 'that' answers the question...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Gun Butcher · November 14, 2009, 02:56:42 AM

JD, since St George pointed out that it was a turn of the century style I would think it would be perfect for what was then a new style of shooting iron. I think it would be "right" for the 1911. Especially if you used one of the simple styles of basketweave.
It would give the piece a classy, uncluttered look.

Marshal Will Wingam · November 14, 2009, 11:05:29 AM

JD, I agree with both St George and GB. You could tailor the era appeal of your holster for your own tastes. For a very classic look use a floral design on a skirted holster. To be more turn-of-the-century, put a basketweave on a skirted holster. For an even more modern look, take the skirt off. This sounds like a great project and I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Canelo Kid · November 18, 2009, 11:57:57 PM

Like this?

Safe trails,
CKid

Marshal Will Wingam · November 19, 2009, 12:52:35 AM

That's the ticket, Kid. Nice holster. It gives it a finished look. I've been thinking of doing a Frazier design that way. I may have to get on it.

JD Alan · November 19, 2009, 09:07:45 AM

CK, that is an Outstanding holster. You did a great job. It that your pattern? Marshall mentions a Frazier design, something I'm not familiar with. Any info you could give me would be greatly appreciated. JD

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · November 19, 2009, 09:46:51 AM

Howdy CK

We've missed you around here, you did a nice job on this holster, classy and clean looking, and looks like the fit is perfect for draw and reholster. Thanks for sharing Pard

Regards

tEN wOLVES

Canelo Kid · November 19, 2009, 11:02:43 AM

Thanks, yes that's a variation of one of my patterns. I hadn't seen anything like around and figured why not? I am working on a floral carved for the same holster pattern and another with more trigger guard exposed, but haven't had much time to work on it. I simply love this basketweave pattern and am putting it on a lot of pieces.

Haven't had much opportunity to do anything lately getting ready for our state championship Bordertown last month, loading ammo for five shooters, getting guns ready and such. I hosted three shooters from the UK again this year. Plus my work area is being transformed into my gun/reloading room. New cabinets, benches, counter tops for reloading stuff, a complete makeover.

Then it's on to finish my 10' x 20' building outside for my new leather shop. Busy, busy, busy! I do need to check in here more to keep up with all the beautiful work everyone is doing.

Nice work Pards!

Safe trails,
CKid

Marshal Will Wingam · November 20, 2009, 12:34:44 AM

JD, there's a Frazier 1911 holster on page 132 of Packing Iron. Here's mine that is basically a Frazier design.

FEATHERS · November 22, 2009, 05:35:39 PM

Howdy Pastor, I watched the movie 3.10 to Yuma last nite & in a scene Ben Wade (Crowe) has his head on his saddle & the cantle has some nice basketweave on it.So Hollywood must think basketweave is pretty old.

Feathers

JD Alan · November 22, 2009, 06:10:19 PM

Marshall, that is a very nice holster. Great color and a really clean look.

Feathers, it's been a while since I've seen that movie. I'm going to go out on a limb and say Hollywood propably isn't the greatest source of what it and isn't period correct!

I appreciate the heads up, JD

Marshal Will Wingam · November 23, 2009, 12:20:28 PM

Thanks, JD. I'll probably end up making one with a BW pattern on it.

Canelo Kid · November 23, 2009, 01:21:03 PM

I like your Frazier-style there Marshal!

Very nice.

Safe trails,
CKid

Marshal Will Wingam · November 26, 2009, 12:36:04 AM

Thanks, CK. It was fun to work up that pattern. The holster is really a good design. The Frazier design is very well thought out. I originally thought about making "improvements" but what I had in mind wouldn't have been as good. I'm glad I stayed as close to the original as possible.