[Cozmo]

I was really sad to see this. Dennis was one of the top 3 carvers of our Generation. Later in his career he loved doing "nudies". Which at first turned me off. But once I saw a "saloon girl" he carved in ivory I was sold. I have a few pairs of Mr Holland's art but I just never got around to having one last pair of ivory carved again by Dennis. Wish I had.

Speaking of Colt SAA experts, I was informed that Dennis Holland, considered one of the best ivory grip fitters/carvers, passed away a 2 weeks ago. One of the greats!

Dennis was a real gentleman and did some amazing carving. Much of it for Nutmeg over several decades. A lot of the carving still shown at Nutmeg's web site was Dennis' work.

A photo ode of Dennis' work. I know members here have a lot of it.

 

[NorwichCadet]

Yes, lost one of the greats. He was in process of fitting/carving a pair for me. Not sure if he hadn't started, was in middle or finished them. Will find out when I get them back.

 

[rabun creek]

Oh, my. I hate to hear that Dennis died. I have one small piece of his work. I'm thankful for that........

 

[inspcalahan]

Sad loss for his family and our community. Let's keep this thread going by having members post up pictures of his work!!

I don't have any but, I really really enjoy the floral scroll pattern that's on that engraved frame as well as the nude that Coz posted. Most nude work out there isn't my style on guns but ones like that have a certain beauty and elegance. Would definitely enjoy having something like that on a display piece at some point.


Now please, for those with his work, post it here to be treasured as a remembrance of a great artist!

 

[Cozmo]

Now please, for those with his work, post it here to be treasured as a remembrance of a great artist!

Please do. I know there is a good bit of Dennis work owned by forum members.

The finest ivory carving I have owned was Dennis' work.

 

[Bartleylaw]

My Dennis Holland carved ivory. May he Rest In Peace.

 

[JimK]

Looks like he was a master!

 

[mike454]

Here's a set out of Nutmeg that I assume is by Dennis. Wonder if there's any to verify that.

 

[Cozmo]

Many of Dennis' bull carvings were often really high relief and not that easy to shoot with any comfort. Some simply weren't made to be shot at all, more art, than grip. I can usually spot Dennis' work pretty easily after owing a bunch of it. But I sure couldn't say your high relief steer head was not Dennis's work, Mike. That is a nice pair of grips no matter who made them.

Might be worth sending Emily a photo and asking her.

 

[Wes Terner]

Many of Dennis' bull carvings were often really high relief and not that easy to shoot with any comfort. Some simply weren't made to be shot at all, more art, than grip. I can usually spot Dennis' work pretty easily after owing a bunch of it. But I sure couldn't say your high relief steer head was not Dennis's work, Mike. That is a nice pair of grips no matter who made them.

Might be worth sending Emily a photo and asking her.

Yes indeed!

 

[Cozmo]

These are some of Mr. Holland's patterns that you can still purchase in fake ivory grips.

"Anyone who has ever seen Dennis Holland's work, recognizes him as the most outstanding grip carver
& scrimshaw artist in the U.S. for many years. The back of his grips usually have KDH inscribed.
We are forever grateful that he has partnered with us for many years.
Dennis Can Carve or Scrimshaw Any Design! "
Historical & Rare Relief Carved Ivory-Like Grips Made by NC Ordnance (gungrip.com)

 

[sixguns]

Mike454...would love to see some pics of the whole gun. That looks like a dandy!

 

[Private Smith]

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I was really sad to see this. Dennis was one of the top 3 carvers of our Generation. Later in his career he loved doing "nudies". Which at first turned me off. But once I saw a "saloon girl" he carved in ivory I was sold. I have a few pairs of Mr Holland's art but I just never got around to having one last pair of ivory carved again by Dennis. Wish I had.
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View attachment 793774


Dennis was a real gentleman and did some amazing carving. Much of it for Nutmeg over several decades. A lot of the carving still shown at Nutmeg's web site was Dennis' work.

A photo ode of Dennis' work. I know members here have a lot of it.

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View attachment 793765

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Stunning craftsmanship. My condolences to you, his family and friends.

 

[rbrbrb6]

Sixguns, you can see pictures of Mikes gun on Hamilton Bowen’s website in the workshop area. It titled Lightweight USFA and it was built about 6-7 years ago.

 

[mike454]

Robb had this one built and graciously let it come live with me a few years back fulfilling a wish I'd had since I first saw a Bowen lightweight!

I contacted Nutmeg and they said the grips were most likely by Dennis, but they couldn't be sure.

Here is the section from Hamilton's website:

+ Bowen Classic Arms + Workshop