Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L

CAS TOPICS => The Leather Shop => Topic started by: Major 2 on May 03, 2023, 09:23:19 AM

Title: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 03, 2023, 09:23:19 AM
Is a quest to have the associated gun holster.

 Another thread prompted me to post a side bar to collecting holsters for the guns themselves.
 In my case, vintage Milsurps & Duty holsters.
Some were accompanied with the guns I acquired themselves.
 Others were unobtanium or at least a price I could justify.

One such, is my WW1 French accepted Ruby, The gun itself was acquired as a forlorn mudpuppy.
Or so I though, rattle can paint hide the 80% original finish and French acceptance * star.
 Once the gun was cleaned of the offending coating (which I believe preserved the finish) 
It shoots very well, but the intention was to display it in a WW 1 exhibit.

Original holsters tend to be EXPENCIVE and/or rough.

My only real option was to make a replica. and another for my Austrian Steyr which was sewn for me by John Saffern when I had Carpal tunnel.  thanks John.  :)
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 03, 2023, 09:34:30 AM
These are original to and with the guns.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 03, 2023, 09:42:39 AM
a couple more
Circa mid 1950's Duty with my S&W 1946 Military & Police..

I had London Jack make the Mauser Holster, I mentioned him before, he is TOP quality.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 03, 2023, 11:54:01 AM
This is quite a collection, Major. Thanks for posting this thread with them all together. They're beautiful examples of the guns and the holsters that accompanied them. It's totally fascinating to see such a fine collection. What's next on your list to add? My all time favorite WW2 pistol is the 1911 followed closely by the Finish Lahti but chances of finding one of those at a reasonable price is slim to none.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 03, 2023, 01:14:19 PM
Thank you... glad you liked the thread
Next ? I'm not sure... when the planets align  :-\

I keep a watch out for something at my friends LGS
I peruse eBay, on occasion a holster is up for auction.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Rube Burrows on May 03, 2023, 01:53:03 PM
Very nice collection and nice holsters.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 03, 2023, 04:58:25 PM
Love that M1917. One of the few times one can use the word 'clips' and be correct.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 03, 2023, 05:02:11 PM
Still looking to get a original holster for the 1917, Will
That one is from "Man The Line" or maybe "World War Supply"  :-\ and I destressed it a bit.

The Webley and it's original

Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 04, 2023, 12:14:39 AM
Thanks, Major. Are the 3-round clips original equipment during WW2 or did they issue 6-round ones?

That Webley is pretty cool, too.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 04, 2023, 01:53:18 AM
I believe the 3 round 1/2 moon clips were use in both WW 1 & WW 2.
They were designed and patented by Smith & Wesson
The U.S. War Department used them in both Smith & Wesson and Colt 1917's.
Naomi Alan, an engineer employed by Smith & Wesson, developed a 6-round full-moon clip.
But in combat the 6 rounder was disliked, to my knowledge it was the 1/2 moon that was supplied.

The 18 round boxes & label in my 1st photo are my own fabrication, I believe the government packaging was the 24 round pack or the 18 round Web pouch.
 
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Rube Burrows on May 04, 2023, 07:23:11 AM
I believe the 3 round 1/2 moon clips were use in both WW 1 & WW 2.
They were designed and patented by Smith & Wesson
The U.S. War Department used them in both Smith & Wesson and Colt 1917's.
Naomi Alan, an engineer employed by Smith & Wesson, developed a 6-round full-moon clip.
But in combat the 6 rounder was disliked, to my knowledge it was the 1/2 moon that was supplied.

The 18 round boxes & label in my 1st photo are my own fabrication, I believe the government packaging was the 24 round pack or the 18 round Web pouch.

Very nice.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 04, 2023, 08:33:14 AM
Ebay asking prices range from downright bargains to pipedream stratospheric for original holsters.
 The relic & gun show finds are always priced high and going higher.  :o

I was fortunate to find an occasional piece like this Commando holster from 1944 online... 
 Though in some cases, I have settled for a replica or will make one if no replica is made or available.

In searching for a holster for the 1916 Ruby, eBay pricing was/is $240 -260, and outside the budget.
 I opted to handmake a copy for the Museum display.

The Commando also fits nicely in the 50's ventage duty Jay Pee Holster.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Coffinmaker on May 04, 2023, 10:11:03 AM

 :) Major 2  ;)

Way Way Way KOOL!!  I in no way collect (how did I wind up with so many guns??) but I feel acquiring the appropriate (Period) leather is every bit as important as the guns themselves.  Oft, all we see are grainy, out of focus and OLD photographs of the leather of the time.  Your collection of originals and copies where necessary is just UBER KOOL  ;D
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 04, 2023, 10:33:08 AM
I believe the 3 round 1/2 moon clips were use in both WW 1 & WW 2.
They were designed and patented by Smith & Wesson
The U.S. War Department used them in both Smith & Wesson and Colt 1917's.
Naomi Alan, an engineer employed by Smith & Wesson, developed a 6-round full-moon clip.
But in combat the 6 rounder was disliked, to my knowledge it was the 1/2 moon that was supplied.

The 18 round boxes & label in my 1st photo are my own fabrication, I believe the government packaging was the 24 round pack or the 18 round Web pouch.
Thank you. I thought that was the case but didn't know for sure. You did a bang-up job on those 18 round boxes.

Your collection is more complete than any I've seen for leather to go with the pistols.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 04, 2023, 12:30:49 PM
I'm humbled by your replies, thank you.
  I'm gratified to be the custodian of these.
Some have provenance in the form of original WW 2 Bring back papers or Colt Letter.
The 1917 has a letter from Mr. Jenks, S&W Historian.

 
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 04, 2023, 01:24:00 PM
I'm humbled by your replies, thank you.
  I'm gratified to be the custodian of these.
Some have provenance in the form of original WW 2 Bring back papers or Colt Letter.
The 1917 has a letter from Mr. Jenks, S&W Historian.
It's nice to know you have this provenance for some of them.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: DeaconKC on May 04, 2023, 06:36:00 PM
The half moon clips were chosen as it is easier to pack them preloaded than the full moon clips. Look at the box, how they packed them.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 07, 2023, 08:15:07 AM
A couple more
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 07, 2023, 10:55:34 AM
More cool stuff. Thanks for the photos.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Baltimore Ed on May 07, 2023, 08:40:07 PM
Nice collection Major.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 08, 2023, 03:31:26 AM
Thank you, gents....

Here is an interesting combo....

 A replica WW1 British Webley MkVI  holster from World War Supply and a New Model #3 or Russian.
The # 3 also has both an Old West Reproductions and a Dave Carrico holster.

I originally ordered it for my Webley, but later acquired an original WW 2 Webley holster.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 08, 2023, 09:02:19 AM
Looks good with that #3. Does a Russian fit in there with the finger spur on the trigger guard?
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 08, 2023, 09:28:58 AM
The spur bares on the main seam and would wear through.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 08, 2023, 09:35:09 AM
Thanks, that's what it looks like it would do.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 08, 2023, 02:54:00 PM
I mentioned I had these, both work with 2nd Model Russian as well as the New Model.



The darker one is a David Carrico made I got 10 or so years ago...
The other was offered by Two Flints on this BB when he sold his S&W 2000.
It is made by Rick Bachman @ Old West Reproductions. AKA Buck Stinson.
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 08, 2023, 10:52:22 PM
Those are both good-looking holsters. Does the spur on the Russian hang over the outside of the pouch?
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Major 2 on May 09, 2023, 01:40:49 AM
Yes Sir, follows the rounded main seam
Title: Re: Perhaps a interesting side bar to collecting the guns themselves.
Post by: Marshal Will Wingam on May 09, 2023, 08:47:14 AM
Thanks, that makes sense.