I am looking for a holster that UK sutler has called a 1883 Rope holster. It is the one with the cartridge loops running along the outside just under the flap. Is there any other sutler or leather maker who makes them.
Sir:
I take keyboard in hand to reply to your communication. The Rope
s Pattern holster, was basically a full flap, holster similar to the Civil War Pattern of 1863, but worn butt-rear on the right side, with a skirt forming the belt loop and a strap holding the holster body to the flap. The cartridge loops were sewn near the top of the holster body. According to Edward Scott Meadows' book, "U.S. Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Pouches", there is some debate as to the vintage of the Ropes Pattern, that it may have been produced later...say as late as 1898 or into the 20th Century. Capt. Ropes of the 8th Cavalry in his letter to the Ordnance Dept. seemed to be recommending a full flap version of the Forsyth modification to the 1881 Pattern half-flap holsters (which were worn butt forward). The reason for the skirts was to permit the holsters to be used with the 3-inch wide woven canvas Mills belts.
I'm not sure if I can post this here, but if you go to
www.gunfighter.com/trailrider you can get the address of a vendor who can make up either of these holsters, plus others. [Blatant commercial mode on!]
I remain, your obdt servant,