Looking For An Authentic Reproduction of Hickock Holster in Packing Iron

MikeM. · November 11, 2012, 12:23:52 PM

I am very interested in buying a holster like the Hickock holster in Packing Iron. I would like to have one made out of about the same thickness leather with the glove leather lining,as historically accurate as possible.I have always loved the looks of that particlar holster...Would be for a Cimarron 1851 R/M Conversion with 7.5 inch barrel. Any of you guys make such a thing??

outrider · November 11, 2012, 01:09:14 PM

Most of the veteran makers in here could make that for you. Check out Dalton Masterson, Trailrider, and although he is in Sweden Boothill Bob could do it. Also Clif Fendley and Kid Terico. Will Ghormley is a master at making period correct holsters

Cliff Fendley · November 11, 2012, 04:19:35 PM

Ah yeah, like the one in Packing Iron. I don't know how many requests I've had to make something like one in Packing Iron. That's an awesome book, I keep a copy in the shop.

I had an order for this one a while back, the original was a left hand though. I can't remember what page it is.

GunClick Rick · November 11, 2012, 05:09:17 PM

DANG! That's nice nice Cliff...

Cliff Fendley · November 11, 2012, 07:53:14 PM

Tanks Rick, it went sumwhur out dare to Californy in yur neck of da woods.

I got another one too, I liked it so much I made myself one. Mine is pigskin lined.

KidTerico · November 11, 2012, 08:32:58 PM

You couldnt go wrong with any of the names mentioned. Cliffs work is as good as it gets. So are the others. KT

Trailrider · November 12, 2012, 11:53:12 AM

Just be careful about what kind of pig you use for the lining! There is veg-tanned pig and there is chrome-tanned pig. The former is okay, though possibly a bit thin. The chrome-tanned is liable to corrode your gun!

Not always easy to tell just by looking at the stuff. Your leather maker needs to verify it with his/her supplier.

Cliff Fendley · November 12, 2012, 12:14:08 PM

Trailrider, You can get both kinds from Tandy leather in Louisville. The Veg tan is what you should use on a holster.

That said I know a guy that has used the chrome tanned for his holster lining for years and never heard of trouble.

After hearing this I decided to do an experiment.

I took a scrap piece and wrapped it around the barrel of an old CVA 1860 army that I just use as a shop gun and dont really care what happens to the finish. I have been keeping a section of that guns barrel wrapped in the chrome tanned pig skin for almost two years now and it has not affected the finish one single bit. I have been keeping the barrel wiped off with no oil just to see if the chrome tanned pig skin will rust it and it has not. You can't tell the difference in the barrels finish where it has been wrapped around it or where it has not.

Has anyone actually seen the adverse effects of the chrome tanned compared to vegetable tanned. Maybe I didn't because the test is on a gun I don't care about

Curley Cole · November 12, 2012, 02:53:20 PM

I wanted a double crossdraw rig ala Wild Bill for my 75 Remingtons. My guy in Kentucky was given free reign and he used the holster on the inside cover of Packin Iron as a idea, and he came up with this. He also made an extra strong side holster at my request. I love the rig. It has aged to a really neat brown colour.

Since I can't do leather anymore I have to depend on RedDog to do it for me and he always comes thru.

good luck and show us pix of what ya come up with

curley

Trailrider · November 12, 2012, 04:29:49 PM

Quote from: Cliff Fendley on November 12, 2012, 12:14:08 PM
Trailrider, You can get both kinds from Tandy leather in Louisville. The Veg tan is what you should use on a holster.

That said I know a guy that has used the chrome tanned for his holster lining for years and never heard of trouble.

After hearing this I decided to do an experiment.

I took a scrap piece and wrapped it around the barrel of an old CVA 1860 army that I just use as a shop gun and dont really care what happens to the finish. I have been keeping a section of that guns barrel wrapped in the chrome tanned pig skin for almost two years now and it has not affected the finish one single bit. I have been keeping the barrel wiped off with no oil just to see if the chrome tanned pig skin will rust it and it has not. You can't tell the difference in the barrels finish where it has been wrapped around it or where it has not.

Has anyone actually seen the adverse effects of the chrome tanned compared to vegetable tanned. Maybe I didn't because the test is on a gun I don't care about

Appreciate the input. I agree about getting both kinds from Tandy/Leather Factory. Still, I'll stick to veg-tanned leather for holsters I make.