Hey, FTrooper any idea if...

[The Pathfinder]

WPG plans to do an 1872 Hoffman swivel holster like they did the 1875? I love the '75 holster I got, but tend to do an earlier impression and was just wondering if I should go ahead and try to do my own or wait?

[Trailrider]

One thing you might want to keep in mind about the reproduction holster, if a faithful reproduction of the Pattern 1872 holster with the Hoffman swivel: There were numerous incidents of the holster body pulling loose from the swivel tabs, resulting in the holster body with the gun inside falling to the ground!    As a result, most company commanders had their saddlers rivet and/or stitch the body to the belt loop, of course, permanently preventing the body from swiveling. NOT trying to badmouth any repro company duplicating the '72 or '75, but I am badmouthing the original swivel design (as did most cavalry company commanders).  Since the company C.O.'s were responsible for the loss of equipment, it is little wonder that they had the holsters modified!  Just food for thought!

[The Pathfinder]

  I agree. But as I'm getting a little long in the tooth, I don't imagine I'll be going out in the field as much as I used to, and, unfortunately, haven't been on the back of a horse in over twenty years now. Now I'm just trying to put together a couple of more authentic outfits for an earlier time period (in spite of having to lengthen my belts a mite  ). And I've always been intrigued by the Hoffman holsters, failure that they were.

[Trailrider]

Understandable. Best of luck with it.

[Trooper Smith]

Hi Pathfinder
Is this what you are looking for?

[The Pathfinder]

My Lord, yes. And just the revolver I intended to use it with. That is beautiful. Is it something that is in the works, or is that one you've had made up? I've found listings for one from France and another from Australia, but nothing available domestically. I was about to inquire of the French company as it's much cheaper, at least if my conversions are correct, but would be happier ordering from Jerry.

[Trooper Smith]

Sorry it is not from WPG. It is one of my reproductions( the one you mentioned from Australia).
I had a small number  Hoffman swivels manufactured several years ago to be able to offer an authentic high quality 1872 Pattern holster.
This one went to a customer in Belgium, he  requested the early version without the U.S. Embossed flap.
I took a picture with my Type 2 Richards that I fitted a brass trigger guard to before it left.

[Baltimore Ed]

Pardon my ignorance but what is the extra piece of leather on the long side of the holster? Very sharp holster.. I like to wear my swivel 1911 cavalry holster for my punitive expedition uniform. Hangs lower and is very comfortable.

[Pitspitr]

Pardon my ignorance but what is the extra piece of leather on the long side of the holster?

The cleaning rod holder

[The Pathfinder]

Trooper Smith, Its a beautiful piece, I wish I were in a better position to afford one. But with six kids, thankfully mostly grown now, and with a wife who's been sick and out of work for the last couple years , my hobby is currently third in my priorities. Gave some thought on trying to make my own but as you found out, the lack of available swivels presents a problem. Guess I'll just content myself with converting an 1860 holster into a Gaylord modified type. That way all I have to do to pass muster is attach the cleaning rod pouch(?), sheath(?) or whatever its called. Thanks for the pics, I've always enjoyed your website. Great looking leather.

[Trooper Smith]

Thanks Pathfinder. I'm hearing you on the finances and I've only got two little people to worry about! Having six kinda blows my mind, hats off to you.

[Pitspitr]

I was there too. At one time I had one in college, one in high school, one in Jr high, and one in grade school. I was running my own business at the time and not making a living at it.

Jobs in town and empty nests are really nice.

[Trooper Smith]

Thought you may like some more pictures of the 1872 Holster.

One with the U.S. embossing above my repro of the very rare 1872 Sabre Knot and some detail of the swivel belt loop.

[Trooper Smith]

Mounted on an 1874 Sabre Belt with a Type 2 1876 Prairie Belt in 50/70