U.S. Army M-1881 Holster for Colt SAA

[bedbugbilly]

I have a new Uberti 7 1/2" Cattleman SAA on the way and I'm thinking I might like to make a 1881 model holster for it.

I have laid out and made half-flaps for '51 Navies, etc. and of course have "Pscking Iron" which shows good examples.  I also know that they came with 5 different belt loop sizes depending on what belt they are going on - i.e. enlisted leather, Mills, etc.


That said .  . .. I'm just wondering if anyone makes a full size pattern for these with the various pattern for the different size belt loops?  Yes . . I know . . . I can buy one from David C. etc. but I want to make one - I have the U.S. stamp, etc. already as well as the leather, tools and skill - just wondering if there is a pattern out there?

Basically, I'm looking for a short cut - even if it was just a pattern for the bucket.  All of my googling has turned up nothing but original or reproduction holsters - no patterns.  Are there any out there?  If not, maybe another "package" fro Will G. to consider?   

Thanks!

Jim

[Camano Ridge]

Jim, Jim Simmons aka Brazzos Jack aka Peco's Slim has a pattern posted on Leatherworker.net for a set of 1881 Pommel holsters. The same basic 1881 holster pattern but connected to hang over a pommel. Would not be hard to convert the pattern for belt holster. http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=33659   If you contact Jim Simmons he may even have an actual pattern for 1881 belt holster. He is pretty good a bout sharing his patterns. I will see if I can find his email address.

[bedbugbilly]

Camano - Thanks very much!  That will do the trick!  As soon s my Uberti arrives so I have it in hand, it will allow me to lay out a pattern - my biggest concern was to get the symmetry of the bucket and flap close to original so it looked right.  On the half flaps that I made for '51 Navies, it was fairly easy as I had several Slim Jims that I had made and I could play with flap patterns until it looked right.  I just don't want to cut in to a nice piece of leather only to go "Oh Oh" once I get it done.   

Many thanks again - your help is greatly appreciated!  My best to you and yours!

Jim

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[Camano Ridge]

Just a suggestion if you don't already do it. I buy poster board from Wal Mart (pretty cheap) lay my pattern out cut the pieces and staple them together as if I were stitching the leather (staple along approx stitch line. I then gently insert the gun and make sure that everything fits and it has the look I want. I then carefully remove the staples and I have my pattern layout the pieces cut the leather and go to work.
Making the mock holster takes a little extra time but saves on wasted leather.

[1st Sgt.]

     Three books you might want to check out on 1870/1880's military Equipment. are as follows.

    1, Ordnance Memoranda No.29 "Horse Equipments and Cavalry Accoutrements"

    2. Ordnance Memoranda No.18  "Cavalry Equipment"

    3. "U.S. Single Action Cartridge Handgun Holsters 1870-1910" by William G. Phillips & John P. Vervloet

     I have seen the Ordnance Memoranda No.29 and  Ordnance Memoranda No.18 online but you'll have to search it out.

     Hope this Helps in your quest. 

    V/R

   1st Sgt.