California Slim-Jim Holster made by Main&Winchester

Shotgun Steve · February 17, 2010, 08:32:45 AM

Gunleather #002: California Slim-Jim Holster made by Main&Winchester, San Francisco circa 1860. Hand-tooled in a floral pattern on the entire front of the holster. Clear maker's mark on the back side. Excellent original condition. Shown with a 71/2 Colt 1860 Army revolver. The holster will also accomodate a Colt 1851 Navy revolver.

Steel Horse Bailey · February 17, 2010, 10:24:02 AM

This one is interesting, and in GREAT shape, but I prefer the one that's almost black/w belt.

IF I had my 'druthers, that is.

Texas Lawdog · February 17, 2010, 01:14:54 PM

SHB, I like a black rig also. I guess I was a Cop too long!

Steel Horse Bailey · February 17, 2010, 07:51:26 PM

Little Jimmy, the leather guy (a real expert) who made my rig way back when told me that black wasn't a very popular color. First, it was the color of Military - in MOST cases from 1860 on, (I know about the CSA use of brown in many instances) which was because the black die/coloring was often used to "cover up" somewhat inferior quality leather. It stands to reason that many didn't want to have their equipment looking like/compared to "cheap-o" Military items.

Dutch Limbach · February 17, 2010, 10:23:40 PM

Quote from: Steel Horse Bailey on February 17, 2010, 07:51:26 PM
Little Jimmy, the leather guy (a real expert) who made my rig way back when told me that black wasn't a very popular color. First, it was the color of Military - in MOST cases from 1860 on, (I know about the CSA use of brown in many instances) which was because the black die/coloring was often used to "cover up" somewhat inferior quality leather. It stands to reason that many didn't want to have their equipment looking like/compared to "cheap-o" Military items.

Ironically, the practice of "tooling" leather came about as a way to cover up imperfections in the leather.

PS- Leather Tooling started as long ago as 1300 BC.

northwestgrizzly · February 18, 2010, 04:51:05 AM

Quote from: Texas Lawdog on February 17, 2010, 01:14:54 PM
SHB, I like a black rig also. I guess I was a Cop too long!

I agree.

panhead pete · February 18, 2010, 05:02:33 AM

Thanks for posting this one Steve!

It may be my next project. I appreciate all of your posts. Great images.

Thanks,

Panhead Pete

O.T. Buchannan · February 18, 2010, 04:59:07 PM

This one is beautiful as well!

Will Ketchum · February 18, 2010, 05:32:46 PM

Quote from: O.T. Buchannan on February 18, 2010, 04:59:07 PM
This one is beautiful as well!

Wow, I voice from the past! Welcome back OT.

Will Ketchum

Major 2 · February 18, 2010, 06:32:30 PM

I like the black one ...but this one is ME !

I copied that pattern and the tooling inspired by Packing Iron Pg. 76

O.T. Buchannan · February 19, 2010, 08:11:16 AM

Thank you Will.....

Mogorilla · February 19, 2010, 12:26:03 PM

This holster really struck me. Thanks Shotgun. If any of you want to do leather, I made a graphic tracing and posted it on the leather forum. Eventually when my classes give me a breather, I will make it.

Irish Dave · February 19, 2010, 12:28:31 PM

Same, here, OT. Great to see you back!

kflach · February 19, 2010, 03:13:07 PM

I keep coming back to this thread because I, too, was struck by it. After SHB and TL posted their initial comments I started to offer to take it since they didn't want it, but I don't think it'll work with my Remington.

That darn near broke my heart!

Steel Horse Bailey · February 19, 2010, 07:26:58 PM

Kevin, you SHOULD offer to take it - it'll fit your Remington, I think. It IS lovely, I jus tprefer a different style. You know ... diff'rent strokes and all that.

SOME folks prefer F-14s, other of us like F-15s just as much!

Texas Lawdog · February 20, 2010, 08:38:40 AM

The SlimJim holster is the best looking and period correct holster for the Remington or the Colt Cap and Ball revolvers. SHB and I share a love of a lot of things from Celtic Women to Warbirds.

Will Ketchum · February 20, 2010, 09:34:18 AM

Quote from: Texas Lawdog on February 20, 2010, 08:38:40 AM
The SlimJim holster is the best looking and period correct holster for the Remington or the Colt Cap and Ball revolvers. SHB and I share a love of a lot of things from Celtic Women to Warbirds.

Hey I like Celtic women!!! I married one. Well she's have Irish.

Will Ketchum

River City John · February 20, 2010, 09:51:18 AM

What a great name for a rock band!

Celtic Woman and the Warbirds.

Texas Lawdog · February 20, 2010, 02:27:41 PM

RCJ, It does have a ring to it. Will, I am married to Irish honey who is auburn haired, white skin, and 6ft. tall with a temper.

Will Ketchum · February 20, 2010, 04:13:33 PM

Quote from: Texas Lawdog on February 20, 2010, 02:27:41 PM
RCJ, It does have a ring to it. Will, I am married to Irish honey who is auburn haired, white skin, and 6ft. tall with a temper.

My life mate ( and the real NCOWS secretary) is mostly brunette and 4'11"