Pocket Pistol Holster

WaddWatsonEllis · February 08, 2011, 11:40:04 PM

Hi Guys,

I bought an 1898 S&W 4th Model in .32 S&W short with a 3" barrel.

The pistol came with a fully flapped holster, but the loop on it is 2 1/2" where my cartridge belt is almost 3".

I am thinking that between the pistol and the flapped holser (Which is 6" tall at the front), that I could come up with a good template by using a manila folder, copying and cutting the basic holster out, and then using the holster to make the back of a Cheyenne style two loop holster. Then, if I put 1/4" spots on the two loops it would match my new holsters and cartridge belt ... the plan would be to make a vertical left crossdraw holster that would ride on the belt in front of my left holster...

This is my second third holster and the first one that I would be making from my own plans .... any suggestions?

Slowhand Bob · February 09, 2011, 06:59:44 AM

I really like your rig, looks like it walked right out of the pages of the old west. Just the right amount of bling for class, I might add.

Sounds like a good plan on the pattern. Draw the first one out to exactly match the orriginal AND THEN do a second one to work from. I always like to have the orriginal unaltered backup in case I accidentally commit a Slowhand Bob on the working pattern.

Since everyone has gotten in such a hurry at the SASS shoots I no longer carry decorative guns to the match but I always tended to like the shoulder and suspender holsters rather than belt carry, for show. Right before I left the loading tale to walk to the shooting line I would shift the guns/holsters to the front of my hips and this combined with my preferred prairie style belt just doesnt allow for an extra holster up front.

WaddWatsonEllis · February 09, 2011, 09:46:45 AM

Slowhand,

Would that I was slender enough to have a problem with carrying a second holster ... as it is my belt could hold a whole policeman's utility set and not have any room problem *sigh*

And several of the local clubs require a pocket pistol ... and with both hands holding long guns (i.e rifle and shotgun), it is so much easier to tuck the pocket pistol in a holster and carry it that way ....

bedbugbilly · February 09, 2011, 11:08:57 AM

Sounds like a great plan to me! You've got a good one that you know that fits the pocket pistol so you haven't got to start from scratch. I also agree with making two patterns - an original and one that you can work with to make any necessary "adjustments" on. I do the same thing - make an original and then a working pattern, I can use the original to make another copy to work from. I then remember to make any notes of changes, alterations on both patterns before I file them. If you ever come back a few years later to ake another one, you won't have to rack your brain trying to remember what you did.

Your rig is great looking by the way! Very, very nice - you can sure be proud of it!

Any chance you could post some more photos of your original holster - some of the flap side and with the flap open so we can see the bucket opening profile? I love these old holsters and always enjoy seeing construction, profiles, etc. Many thanks and hope you'll post photos of your pocket pistol holster when you get it done! Thanks!

Marshal Will Wingam · February 09, 2011, 05:36:52 PM

Very nice rig, WW. I like those S&W pocket pistols. The holster is a cool design. Be sure to show us the one you make to use.

WaddWatsonEllis · February 09, 2011, 08:37:33 PM

bedbugbilly,

Here you go ... what is neat about the holster is that it probably is pretty close to the age of the gun .... it does not use snaps for the flap, and the brass 'fob' slides into a keyhole slot. But the holster is very thin ... just a little thicker than dress glove leather ... I don't dare use it....

bedbugbilly · February 10, 2011, 12:37:06 PM

Thanks so much for posting the photos! I was curious to see what the flap design was. I have a holster and belt that was with a Belgium Colt SAA that was my great-uncle's that I inherited. You holster is pretty much identical to that one and I aouldn't be surprised if they were made by the same company. Mine is very lightweight like yours is, has the same flap profile and fastening method from what I can see. The only difference is that mine is not straight across the top on the bucket but it has a "V" shape cutout at the top where the trigger/trigger guard is - but, I'm thinking that this was done possibly by my great-uncle or someone else. The belt loop is the same as well. It's a nice piece of history that you have to go along with your pistol - which is also a very nice piece.

I know that my Belgium Colt is post 1893 because of the proofmarks on it. Although there is no way of knowing, from what I know of my great-uncle and his travels through the western states as a rep for International Harvester, it probably dates to the very early 1900s, I'd say between 1900 - 1910. If the holster is original to the pistol I have, I think it's a pretty safe bet that it dates to that period as well. I would have to think that your holster is the same time period? Do you know what year the pistol you have was manufactured? Thanks again for posting the photos - it's greatly appreciated! Have a good one!

WaddWatsonEllis · February 10, 2011, 04:54:42 PM

Bed Bug Billy,

Your post got me interested and I really looked at the holster for the first time ... and there is no, none, nada identifying or maker's marks on the holster that identifies the holster.

The only thing of interest is that the sticing doen wht one side of the holster. Insteadof backstitchingthe stitching contiinues into the backsde of the flap about an inch and a quater ... like someone was sewing it on a sewing maching and just continued onto the back of the flap to lok the thread in place ... and the both of the rivets and the brass fastening post are through connected with no padding designed in to protect the pistol.

I sure wish they had padded those rivets ... I think that the plating on my pistol would have been much prettier had the padding been there ....