New (to me) holster

[boykin]

I am in the process of obtaining a vintage El Paso Saddlery Holster, so tell me what you think of it. I am trying to find out some information on it, without much luck, yet. I can't figure out what style carving it has. It doesn't seem to match any on their website. Is there such thing as a special order carving or maybe a style that is no longer used? It looks like their "Ranger" style holster to me. Also, anyone have an idea when it was made? Here are some pictures that I got from the previous owner:









Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Matchlock]

Hi boykin;

What you have there is a beautifully carved stitched and lined Mexican Loop holster. It looks like top of the line work too and with a very nice grade of leather.

By the looks of the leather it doesn't appear to be new, but barely used and very well looked after.

Maybe Wyatt will jump on in here as he knows his holsters quite well. Wyatt, please correct me if I'm wrong here would you?

Bud
ps
Here's one of my line. A Texas Jockstrap, unfinished and finished.



TexasJStrap_4.jpgTexasJStrap_2.jpg

[boykin]

Here's one of my line. A Texas Jockstrap, unfinished and finished.



Attachment 25328Attachment 25327

That is really nice work. I wish I had the skill to be able to craft something that nice!!

[Wyatt Burp]

Everything is completely right about that EPS holster. Because there is no "swell" between the loops, the holster has to be tied to the backskirt to keep it in place. And it's not just a strip of leather tied there, it's slotted with two "braids" like that done on slotted conches. This is just gorgeous. It's a nice departure from the usual Menea Cheyenne style holster. There's even accent border lines on the back along the edge of the loops. I might be concerned with the loops tearing with hard use since there are no little holes punched at the ends of the slots, if you get my meaning. They might tear there. That is a fine piece that looks like it's never had a gun in it.

[Matchlock]

Any idea how old that holster is Wyatt?

Bud

[Matchlock]

Thanks very much boykin, I appreciate the kind comment.

You know, it takes a little work, time and experience to work with leather and get satisfactory results. Also, the fact that there are so many types, grades and weights of leather for different projects, it all takes time to learn. The actual working with the leather isn't difficult at all. The secret is using the best tools you can afford, always keep them in good repair and properly sharpened and the rest should come in time. Having someone close by who also knows the ropes doesn't hurt either.

Now, if you one of those folk that don't know the difference 'tween the inside of a cow and the outside, then maybe woodworking is for you.

Give it a try anyway, nothing but a few bucks to lose and you may just enjoy it.

I like the work I do and I've been doing it for a long time but I'll never be a professional holster maker and make a living from it. I'll leave that to professionals like Wyatt here, now his "Stuff" is just plain outa sight.

Regards

Bud

That is really nice work. I wish I had the skill to be able to craft something that nice!!

[Wyatt Burp]

Any idea how old that holster is Wyatt?

Bud

I don't know. I don't even know if it's in their current catalog. I'm too lazy to look now. BTW. Nice jockstraps! Uh, the holsters I mean. How come I didn't know you were a fellow leather guy before, or did I? I've only made one jockstrap holster and that was around 1993. I have a pic of it. I still have it but it just sits in a box now. I'll try another one of these years.

[boykin]

Everything is completely right about that EPS holster. Because there is no "swell" between the loops, the holster has to be tied to the backskirt to keep it in place. And it's not just a strip of leather tied there, it's slotted with two "braids" like that done on slotted conches. This is just gorgeous. It's a nice departure from the usual Menea Cheyenne style holster. There's even accent border lines on the back along the edge of the loops. I might be concerned with the loops tearing with hard use since there are no little holes punched at the ends of the slots, if you get my meaning. They might tear there. That is a fine piece that looks like it's never had a gun in it.

Wyatt, thanks for your reply!! I liked that it was not the usual carving that you see on most holsters. I understand what you mean by the "swell". I appreciate your explanation of the leather tied to the backskirt. I wondered about it, knowing it wasn't a leg tie-down thong. Are the accent border lines on the back along the edge of the loops not the norm? Is this where you are talking about holes being punched?

[boykin]

Wyatt, you are a true craftsman. How long have you been making holsters? What is your favorite style to make?

[Matchlock]

Hi Wyatt;

Thanks for nice compliment on my Joskstrap. The holster I mean.

I can't remember things very well any more but I seem to remember that holster of yours on the left. I think we must have spoken to each other about it one time quite a while ago before I had my health trouble.

I remember how much I liked your work then as well. By the looks of them you like to work more or less in the "old" style. Especially with the carving on that oiled holster on the left.

Anyway, maybe I'll make a few more this year now I have my health back some. They sell real good up here for the "Cowboy" guys and gals.

Regards Wyatt

Bud

I don't know. I don't even know if it's in their current catalog. I'm too lazy to look now. BTW. Nice jockstraps! Uh, the holsters I mean. How come I didn't know you were a fellow leather guy before, or did I? I've only made one jockstrap holster and that was around 1993. I have a pic of it. I still have it but it just sits in a box now. I'll try another one of these years.