Collections

[Major 2]

I decided to bid on lot auction of holsters (I had posted a photo elsewhere)
  So, I needed to get my others out and condition with Skidmore's too.

And said to myself, I suppose I need a grouping photo of that lot too.

There are several original WW2 bring backs among this group.
a couple of my own construction, and several by craftsmen on this very board.
Credit to:
David Carrico
Old West Reproductions®, Inc.
London Jack - UK
John Saffran
Outrider
Cliff Fendley Leather

I have a few more I decided not to take down in the reloading room as they are mounted up high.
  A Russian Nagant WW2 holster and belt and a nickel spotted western holster gifted by my friend John Saffran.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Wow, what a beautiful collection! Eye candy for leather aficionados. Thank you for posting the photos.

[Major 2]

Web holsters

Three of the WEB holsters are Commonwealth holsters, for 3 different pistols
The one shown top row greenish tint, is Canadian for the Browning Hi-Power dated 1944.
The other in that same photo "reverse side" is for the Webley & Scott MKIV or S&W M&P Victory 38 Cal. also dated 44.
The one alone in the other photo is for the Webley Mk VI and has a 43 date,

I spent the several hours conditioning them yesterday, and I'm about out for Skidmore's now...

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I spent the several hours conditioning them yesterday, and I'm about out for Skidmore's now...

Great stuff. I just opened a new jar of it myself.

[Johnny McCrae]

Impressive collection but more impressive is your knowledge of the history behind these Holsters..

[Coffinmaker]

Ha !! 

DO NOT, under any circumstances play "Trivial Pursuit" with Major 2.   

[Major 2]

Ha !  used to play for money!   .......   

Thanks

[Rube Burrows]

Very nice collection.

[Major 2]

I am excited to say the planets aligned on Wednesday and this original WW1 Sauer sidearm holster came with this Model 1913 Sauer & Sohn 7.65 auto pistol.

The gun was consigned at my frendly FFL, and I jumped on it, the holster was icing on the cake.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Good find, Major! That holster is nice. Was there a closing strap that got taken off at some time in the past?

It looks like the slide is racked by the circular knob at the rear. Fascinating piece.

[Major 2]

I think it tore thru at the stitch holes.
The gun is in excellent condition, and yes that is the racking knob with the serrations.
Mine is a second variation made in 1916 the holster is the same era.

It will get a coat of Skidmore's restoration cream.   
And I'll see if I can replace the missing strap.   

[Marshal Will Wingam]

There were a few that were designed to be pulled at the rear of the slide or action. It's a nice piece. My favorite of that type is the Lahti.

That will be cool if you can match the old leather with a new strap. I look forward to the results.

[Major 2]

One of my friends (Marcel), is a partner there, and is somewhat my competition there are well.
That is, his likes are similar to mine and on occasion he gets first dibs.   
In this case though, the consigner brought in three guns.
So, Marcel (whose wife works there too) had a Dilemma, he could not swing buying both
He gave me the heads up and first refusal, which I did not hesitate on. 

He chose the Baby Browning 25cal. pocket pistol, and that allowed me the Sauer.
  I brought the Sauer home Wed, however he had put the holster safely away and forgot to give it to me then, so he texted me. I did not know about it until he did.
I pick it up Sat. morning. This is the photo he text me 
before and after Skidmore's

[Hair Trigger Jim]

So when you said the holster was just icing on the cake, you really meant it!   

[Major 2]

Yeah ! I guess   
  Since Wednesday, I had actually perused eBay to see if a vintage holster might turn up. 

[Major 2]

There were a few that were designed to be pulled at the rear of the slide or action. It's a nice piece. My favorite of that type is the Lahti.

That will be cool if you can match the old leather with a new strap. I look forward to the results.

I agree and think it imperative it match.
  I've seen vintage holsters with serious value ruined. Some of the rarer holsters are worth as much as the guns.
If I decide I can't pull it off, I'd rather not attempt it. Preserve it with Skidmore's sure but not alter it.
I watch a video on U Tube where a skilled guy does the work...
perhaps I will seek out a pro.

 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I agree and think it imperative it match.
  I've seen vintage holsters with serious value ruined. Some of the rarer holsters are worth as much as the guns.
If I decide I can't pull it off, I'd rather not attempt it. Preserve it with Skidmore's sure but not alter it.
I watch a video on U Tube where a skilled guy does the work...
perhaps I will seek out a pro.

That's a good plan. Done right, it will be spectacular. What is the video? I'd like to see how he does it.

[Major 2]

Mr. Tolly at scott@fatmanleather.com

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks for that link. I watched a couple of his videos and he's quite interesting. At least for a total leather addict. It was nice to learn about the P08 holsters and how they were originally made.

[Major 2]

Well Sir, here is the skinny upon closer examination.
He didn't happen to have it with him at the LGS when we traded so I pick the holster up today.

The main seam is tight, but the magazine pouch stitching is pulling out.
The skin marks are just that, no red rot    the strap is completely missing not even a tab were it was sewn in the main seam ( my guess the main seam was redone years ago )
The two belt keepers are intact, and rivets are snug,

I've emailed Mr. Tolly, I'm not sure of his prices, I may go all out and have it done.
But if it is too pricy, I'll just condition it (already have actually) and keep it safe.
I have no plan to use it, just show with the gun. So, either way it will represent itself.