New Holster pattern

Marshal Will Wingam · March 03, 2007, 07:54:15 PM

Well, thanks to Paladin's new rig, I decided to come up with a new pattern for a decent half-skirted Mexican Loop holster based on the one in Packing Iron on page 101. It's a good one. Forgive the belly leather I used for it and the shoddy workmanship, but I didn't want to put a lot of effort into a test rig. the border is just a double stitch groove zipped around the thing. There are a couple adjustments I intend to make on the pattern and then I'll have the design for my new holsters. Here's a before and after picture of it. Oh, yeah, I stamped a brand stamp on the loop but it got lost so I found one of the nuts for my Dillon Press and banged that on there for a border.

Silver Creek Slim · March 03, 2007, 08:50:03 PM

Very nice design, pard.

Slim

Sod Buster · March 03, 2007, 08:53:33 PM

Lookin' good!

Ozark Tracker · March 03, 2007, 08:58:57 PM

Will, that is a good looking holster,

Tensleep · March 03, 2007, 09:05:32 PM

Very nice !!!!

Wymore Wrangler · March 04, 2007, 06:27:11 AM

What they said...

buck · March 04, 2007, 08:07:22 AM

sheesh marshal! If that is "your shoddy work" I can't wait to see your " good" work! You have a talent... thats for sure!

Marshal Will Wingam · March 04, 2007, 01:04:55 PM

Thanks, pards. I've modified the pattern in a couple places and will make a pair of them for my main match rig. There are a couple items I need before I start on it. I also have to come up with a good design that isn't too ornate but that will accent the overall shape. I'll be sure to post pics when they're finished.

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · March 04, 2007, 01:46:07 PM

Great work Marshal;

I like that pattern a lot, and so does El Paso Saddlery, as THE DODGE CITY RIG. I went to the H. Keller pattern, page 98, for my pair of 1851 5 1/2" conversions. Where I differ from the Marshal, is that I am quite an amateur and no threat to his bragging rights.

Marshal. Your first pattern shows a more prominent oval back flap. I hope you didn't trim it down, as it looks even bettern than the original.

Marshal Will Wingam · March 04, 2007, 05:18:52 PM

Quote from: Sir Charles deMoutonBlack on March 04, 2007, 01:46:07 PMGreat work Marshal;

I like that pattern a lot, and so does El Paso Saddlery. I went to the H. Keller pattern, page 98, for my pair of 1851 5 1/2" conversions. Where I differ from the Marshal, is that I am quite an amateur and no threat to his bragging rights.

Marshal. Your first pattern shows a more prominent oval back flap. I hope you didn't trim it down, as it looks even bettern than the original.

Thanks, pard. No threat, I just like to do these things. I could buy some, but then I'd rob myself of the chance to put my own touch on them.

I did leave the skirt the same size. One adjustment was change the angle of the skirt leather so the holster would hang straight down. The test holster hangs off about 5° and makes a good cross-draw. I also modified the toe of the pouch to give it a little slimmer look. I'll also sew the strap on a little differently next time and use German silver engraved Chicago Screws instead of el cheapo speedy rivets (which I goobered anyway with sloppy hammering). I could use the correct coper rivets, but want a little more decorative look.

later:00

I looked up the pattern you mentioned on page 98. I like it. It has an interesting curve at the top. Nice choice.

Johnny McCrae · March 04, 2007, 07:28:25 PM

Hello Marshal,

Beautiful work and a great design!

When you make your final holsters, will you dye the inside of the pouch or leave it natural?

Also where can one purchase German Silver Engraved Chicago Screws?

I'm making one for a friend similar to the "Shane" Holster as shown in the winter issue of "Guns of the West"

Nolan Sackett · March 04, 2007, 09:21:58 PM

Howdy Will - Nice piece! I've always liked that Rice original

Quote from: Marshal Will Wingam on March 04, 2007, 01:04:55 PM
I also have to come up with a good design that isn't too ornate but that will accent the overall shape.

I've done a carved verison in this pattern with a "period" style carving and probably still have the carving pattern - if you're interested drop me an email and I'll see if I can't dig it up..........

Marshal Will Wingam · March 04, 2007, 11:38:36 PM

Quote from: Johnny McCrae on March 04, 2007, 07:28:25 PM
Hello Marshal,

Beautiful work and a great design!

When you make your final holsters, will you dye the inside of the pouch or leave it natural?

Also where can one purchase German Silver Engraved Chicago Screws?

I'm making one for a friend similar to the "Shane" Holster as shown in the winter issue of "Guns of the West"

Thanks, pard. I haven't decided whether to dye the inside of the final pair. I should make some dye like Nolan does for them.

Here is one source for the screws: Montana Leather I'm sure others here may have better sources. I've been working my way through a bag of them and will need to re-stock one of these days.

Be sure to post a photo of the holster when you're done.

Marshal Will Wingam · March 04, 2007, 11:42:48 PM

Quote from: Nolan Sackett on March 04, 2007, 09:21:58 PMHowdy Will - Nice piece! I've always liked that Rice original
I've done a carved verison in this pattern with a "period" style carving and probably still have the carving pattern - if you're interested drop me an email and I'll see if I can't dig it up..........

I'll send you an email. Thanks. do you have a good supplier for the engraved Chicago Screws (3/8" dia, 1/4" post).

Johnny McCrae · March 05, 2007, 06:40:37 AM

Hi Marshall,

Many thanks for the reply and the link to Montana Leather.

Shotgun Steve · March 05, 2007, 10:00:57 AM

Cool pattern and a nice looking rig Marshal, Thanks for
sharing it with us.

Shotgun Steve

Marshal Will Wingam · March 05, 2007, 10:55:33 AM

Glad to help, Johnny. I used to get them from our local tannery, but they went out of business a number of years ago. I'll be needing some soon, too.

Thanks, Steve.

Irish Dave · March 05, 2007, 11:49:47 AM

Like it.

outrider · March 05, 2007, 02:51:12 PM

Quote from: Sir Charles deMoutonBlack on March 04, 2007, 01:46:07 PM
Great work Marshal;

I like that pattern a lot, and so does El Paso Saddlery, as THE DODGE CITY RIG. I went to the H. Keller pattern, page 98, for my pair of 1851 5 1/2" conversions. Where I differ from the Marshal, is that I am quite an amateur and no threat to his bragging rights.

Marshal. Your first pattern shows a more prominent oval back flap. I hope you didn't trim it down, as it looks even bettern than the original.

Hey Marshal...great looking gun sleeve. I just made one for a pard here in Tenn. Don't want to sound stupid...but who is H. Keller???

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · March 05, 2007, 08:38:06 PM

I never met the man myself. Apparently he was a maker in Corpus Christi, Texas between 1875 and 1880, and he made the holster for an 1861 conversion Colt pictured on page 98 of PACKING IRON.

Nolan Sacket made a very good interpretation of it, as shown in his 2006 gallery. He calls it "Gunrig 1880 Texas 001".