Where can I go to find out more about an old holster?

Compass Will · January 25, 2008, 07:25:42 AM

Trying to ID a hoster, not sure where to ask? I assume its from the 1880's - 1900?
The gun is a 1st model S&W DA in 44 Russian. Thinking of selling both to get another SAA.
( I need one more gun if I want to shoot my first match this year)
The smith said its real tight, and that I should shoot it, but its not Single action

If you think I would be better asking somewhere else let me know where.
who knows, it might be worth more then the gun.
Thanks

Charlie Bowdre · January 25, 2008, 08:30:04 AM

Hi , Although I am no expert I just did a bit of research on a belt and holster for a friend , It was an old 'cowboy rig' as he called it , was hanging in his basement . I started by searching on line , use Google or any search engine . Check for Holsters Antiques and that should start it off for you . It will list some dealers who may be able to help.

The old rig my pard had , belonged to his G/Grandfather and as near as we can determine was a HH Heisler , circa 1880 1900. In real good shape and Mucho Valuable , So ya never know.
Good Luck
Dutchie

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · January 25, 2008, 09:04:51 AM

Maybe its just me, but I wouldn't sell that one! How about giving up cigarettes, whiskey, & wild wild women until you have the $$$$$ to buy another gun?

St. George · January 25, 2008, 09:15:44 AM

The holster would seem to be a copy of the military's - the single rivets being a 'civilian' product, as opposed to the two-piece rivets.

Are there initials of any type on the back of the holster?

Flap holsters were popular - especially useful in acting to protect the piece.

A better photo'd be a good thing, if possible.

As to your S&W - if it's tight, you can shoot it - so long as you're circumspect on your choice of rounds - and smokeless isn't a choice.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Compass Will · January 25, 2008, 09:48:44 AM

Quote from: St. George on January 25, 2008, 09:15:44 AM
The holster would seem to be a copy of the military's - the single rivets being a 'civilian' product, as opposed to the two-piece rivets.

Are there initials of any type on the back of the holster?

As to your S&W - if it's tight, you can shoot it - so long as you're circumspect on your choice of rounds - and smokeless isn't a choice.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

The only marks is the 71 over 5 on the back. I think there was a single digit number written in pencil on the inside.

All my collection is shooters. while this one might be able to be shot I just have never had an attraction to double actions. I figure I would be happier putting the money towards a Sharps copy or a That one additional single action I need to shoot CAS. Plus there is a collector somewhere that would be happy to add this to his/her collection.

outrider · January 25, 2008, 09:57:04 AM

It appears to be a civilian rendition of the 1880's half flap military holster. The military version was made to fit both the SAA and the S&W Schofield.

St. George · January 25, 2008, 10:05:21 AM

Understandable...

The '71' would likely be the catalog number - perhaps from one of the big supply houses like Sears, Roebuck.

The '5' - probably the barrel length.

As to the maker - without a maker's stamp, it's damned difficult to say.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Deadeye Don · January 25, 2008, 10:11:54 AM

Let us know how much you want for the rig and gun. I am sure you will be able to sell it here if you want. Personally, I would keep it. The value will only go up.

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · January 25, 2008, 11:48:37 AM

Howdy Will

I'm not sure about the holster, my other Pards know more about this than I do.

You can go to Western 3 gun on this forum , look up Irish Red Otool, and PM him, he has several of these in his shop, just give him the serial # and he can look it up for you and give you a date and approx. value, I have a nickle S&W in a top break, 5 shot 38 cal hammerless, that he dated back to 1886, the same year my Granddad was born , which makes it even more special to me . I'd keep it , or you might be kicking yourself all over the place later on.

Ten Wolves

outrider · January 25, 2008, 02:57:48 PM

Ten Wolves:

I also have a S&W hammerless "lemon squeezer" in 38 cal. nickle finish (I think it is a third generation) .. except for a broken hammer spring it is about 85%. I used the gun in a three day match about four years ago and then all of a sudden it would not fire anymore then the spring broke. Has a history though. belonged to a mine forman in the PA coalfileds....was given to me by his daughter (who was 75 at the time). One of these days I will get another hammer spring for it.

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · January 25, 2008, 05:41:05 PM

How Do Outrider

Yea these old guns are pretty neat , and I'm sure their is a lot of history with each of them , mine was given to me by and old friend , who was born around the 1886 time period, this Pards name was Tex , and he came from same , and boy howdy did he have some storys to tell , I wish he was still with us , heck of a Pard he was. my gun is good to very good condition, I'm told , and is in shooting condition , Big Red even had some new shells for this gun, maybe someday I'll take it out and fire a few. The holster that came with it is a Mexican single loop, hand carved, and laced up, nice looking holster even today. Thanks for the reply Outridder.

Ten Wolves

Compass Will · January 25, 2008, 08:05:12 PM

Quote from: outrider on January 25, 2008, 02:57:48 PM
Has a history though. belonged to a mine forman in the PA coalfileds...

I got one with PA history also, but no way to prove it.

My Dad used a Marlin model 93 for deer hunting since the mid 40's. Its a 32 Winchester Special.
Story is Penn State gave one to all the graduates of the forestry school in the 20's.
This one is a 4 digit serial number, markings date it to 1921-1922 when Marlin first started up again after they went out of business.

Anyway, I got it all cleaned up and ready for Cowboy Lever Silhouette for next spring.

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · January 26, 2008, 10:34:34 AM

Sounds good Will, you should have a lot of fun that.

Ten Wolves

Quote from: Compass Will on January 25, 2008, 08:05:12 PM
I got one with PA history also, but no way to prove it.

My Dad used a Marlin model 93 for deer hunting since the mid 40's. Its a 32 Winchester Special.
Story is Penn State gave one to all the graduates of the forestry school in the 20's.
This one is a 4 digit serial number, markings date it to 1921-1922 when Marlin first started up again after they went out of business.

Anyway, I got it all cleaned up and ready for Cowboy Lever Silhouette for next spring.