Tom Threepersons holster

[Lobo]

Tom Threepersons, a Cherokee Indian born Vinita, OK 1889, family moved Alberta, Canada c. 1900. 1910 father killed by rustlers, Tom followed to a saloon and shot both dead. Joined Northwest Mounted Police, served near Calgary, Alberta, killed 3 bank robbers at Calgary. 1912 returned to ranching, "World Champion Cowboy" on rodeo circuit. Took world trip including South America, Europe, Asia, Japan, China, complained about the food! 1916 enlisted to serve under General "Black Jack" Pershing on punitive expedition to Mexico in response to Pancho Villa's raids into the US. Discharged 1920. Served as patrolman and detective in San Antonio and El Paso, TX. 1923 appointed US Customs agent at El Paso. As early as 1925 the SD Myres Saddle Co. advertised the "Threepersons style" holster. Late 1920's offered a movie contract, declined. Ranched in Gila, New Mexico, passed away in 1969.

Offering a little biography here on a remarkable man, one who served as a law enforcement officer and soldier on behalf of two countries during the early 20th century, engaged in numerous battles, and lived to tell the tale.

Tom Threepersons designed a holster and had it made to his specifications by the SD Myres Saddle Company in the early 1920's. Since that time the basic design has evolved into a style that dominated the law enforcement market until late in the 20th Century. High ride, exposed trigger guard, open top, minimal leather. The design has been marketed by Myres, El Paso Saddlery, Don Hume, and a dozen other makers, and evolved into the designs including thumb-break retention by Safariland and Bianchi.

The original is not known to remain in existence. If it had any retention device, it was probably a hammer thong or something similar. Several makers still make this style with a hammer strap and snap. Looking at a "Threepersons" style holster you will see the evolution of law enforcement holsters over a period of at least 70 years.

I have not done justice to the man in question, or to his contributions to our nation. Just wanted to give a little background to the post.

Two or three times per year I have people inquire about a Threepersons-style holster. While I made any number of variations back in the 1970's and 1980's, I had nothing to show them, no photographs or demo pieces. So, I decided to make one up as my personal interpretation of the style, as much for the sake of nostalgia as anything else!

Here are some photos. Basic features of this style: mid-ride, tunnel loop belt attachment, open top, welted seam, blocked and cased construction. In my interpretation of this type I have incorporated a lining of brain-tanned deerskin (don't know when I'll ever get any more, so I'll just hoard my little supply), a retention strap featuring a widened portion over the rear sight as protection against damage (also allows a "ready" position), and hand-boned finished (instead of simple block and casing), with a pre-formed sight channel.

Holster body is Wicketts & Craig 7-8 oz. cowhide, lining estimated at 3 oz. weight (Native American made brain tanned deerskin), seam welted with a piece of 9-10 oz. cowhide, tunnel loop pre-formed to 1.75" width X 0.25" thickness belt, retention strap of 9-10 oz. cowhide (can be rotated forward to permit a "ready" position for quick access, forward cant estimated at 7-8 degrees. Shown with a Smith & Wesson Model 66 and rosewood grips in the "combat" style.

I hope you enjoy seeing this old-fashioned piece as much as I have enjoyed making it! At least now I will have something to show the occasional customer who wants a traditional style!

[TwinOaks]

Beautiful work, there. Thanks for the brief biography, too. It just goes to show there's all kinds of neat info lurking in the most unlikely places.

[2MadJacks]

Wow thanks for sharing. As an Okie I love to hear the history of other Oklahomans, especially the lawmen. Thanks again and you have done very nice work. job well done, James

[ChuckBurrows]

Very nice take and a nice write up but one thing in error - at least one of Tom's original holsters is still in existence along with his mother of pearl handled Colt SAA - yes pearl handled - despite Gen'l Patton's infamous comment, pearl handled guns were very popular in the 1920-30's amongst Texas lawmen, including Tom and Frank Hamer.

Anyway here's a pic of one of Tom's original holsters - S. D. Myres made....it's scanned from the book Peacemakers by R. L Wilson

[Lobo]

Tom Threepersons was a Texas lawman during the early 20th Century, serving in San Antonio and El Paso. In about 1920 Threepersons designed a holster for his own use and had it made by the excellent company S.D. Myres Saddlery.

The Threepersons style became pretty much the standard for American law enforcement and sporting use throughout the 20th Century, and remains in production today in several forms. It evolved from a mid-to-high ride open top strong-side holster to incorporate a hammer thong, later a snap-strap retention, and finally as the familiar thumb-break styles made by every major manufacturer.

I have made many variations on this theme over the years, and lately have become interested in recreating the original style, as well as offering the original Sheridan-style carving. I have enlisted talented carving artists to recreate the original pattern, and will be receiving submissions shortly.

For now, I have made another Threepersons-style in open top, lined with glove leather, and featuring a rotating hammer-retention strap. This one is done in the classic oiled tan finish in 8-oz. Hermann Oaks, 2-oz. lining, welted seam, with pre-formed belt loop to fit a 1.75" belt.

Comments welcome. Old fashioned? Yes. But I'm an old guy! I will try and have a carved sample ready in the next few weeks, as I have numerous customers interested in an authentic reproduction of the original pattern and design.

Photos (not uploaded in order shown, but I'm sure you can figure them out):

1. Front, with Duncan's dummy gun (S&W L-frame 4") and hammer retention strap.

2. Rear, retention strap swivels down and away when not in use.

3. Inverted, with dummy gun held securely (who says you can't make an open top holster that will retain a revolver?).

4. Welted seam detail and pre-formed belt loop.

5. Front, with removable retention strap removed.

Edited June 13, 2009 by Lobo

[carljc72]

I love it. I always enjoy looking at your work.

[Randyc]

Ray,

Great looking holster and a fine tribute to legendary lawman Tom Threepersons and to S.D Myers Saddlery. Are you using a welt on this holster or just sewing the edges together?

I just purchased a Taurus Judge mold gun from Jeff (Boom Stick Holsters) and I have a Colt Python myself. I'm planning out some designs for those two weapons.

Randy

[Lobo]

Ray,

Great looking holster and a fine tribute to legendary lawman Tom Threepersons and to S.D Myers Saddlery. Are you using a welt on this holster or just sewing the edges together?

I just purchased a Taurus Judge mold gun from Jeff (Boom Stick Holsters) and I have a Colt Python myself. I'm planning out some designs for those two weapons.

Randy

Randy:

Thanks for the nice comments. This is a welted seam holster, using a welt of 9-oz. leather, so the sewn edge consists of two layers 8-oz., two layers 2-oz. lining leather, and the 9-oz. welt.

The welt adds stiffness to the holster and also provides some clearance on the interior, making it easier to form to the handgun. This is a traditional style of holster construction and I am trying to follow the traditional method, staying as closely to the original design as possible.

Just received a carving sample from a gentleman in Texas today, so I may have something completed within the next week or two as a true tribute to the designer and original maker.

Best regards.

[Lobo]

Note to moderators: previous posts on this topic have been moved to other categories. I appreciate your attention, but this subject might best appeal to holster makers in general, so I will continue posting here.

Those of you who have followed this topic know that I have been pursuing both the re-creation of a 90-plus year old holster pattern, as well as re-creating the original Sheridan-style carving of the original holster.

Tom Threepersons was a legendary lawman, serving in San Antonio and El Paso, Texas during the early 20th Century. He designed a holster for his own use and had it produced by the excellent company S.D. Myres Saddlery. That design is probably the most copied and most popular belt holster design in history, becoming the standard for American law enforcement, standard issue for the FBI for many years, and evolved into most of the patterns still being marketed today.

Following an earlier post a forum member submitted a photo of an original Threepersons holster, now residing in a private collection. I was absolutely intrigued with the possibility of not only re-creating the original holster pattern, but matching it with the original hand carving pattern.

Where else to look but leatherworker.net? I ran a couple of posts, received multiple replies, and commissioned a couple of very talented people to do some carving in the original style.

This post exhibits two holsters of very similar style, both carved by the same artist, both assembled and finished by me (all mistakes are mine entirely, by the way!). Thought that I would share this with you folks, as prior posts appear to have been popular.

Photos show two similar holsters featuring two different retention devices. One incorporates a strap with snap (allowing simple rotation forward to permit a "ready" position) and one uses a fob-style hammer tab, easily flipped off with the finger.

These holsters are hand-carved in considerable detail. Any attempt to fit a handgun by boning would destroy detail in the carving, so these are "blocked and cased", i.e. wet-formed to the handgun with nothing more than finger pressure and no tools permitted. The resulting fit is sufficient that either holster can be held upside down while retaining the handguns (S&W Model 19 for one and S&W Model 686 for the other).

Materials used included Hermann Oak 8-oz veg-tanned leather for the carved shells, lining is 2-oz. glove leather. Finish includes a "color wash" that I have devised using a water-soluable brown dye that penetrates easily at edges and carved surfaces, but less so on smooth leather, followed by the classic neatsfoot oil treatment, and acrylic finish. These holsters were finished today, so there remains a few light and dark areas where the oil is still "settling in"; those will even out over the next day or two.

One of the weaknesses of the original Threepersons-style holster is the belt loop. Most originals and reproductions had belt loops fitted for very large belts. Mine are pre-formed to fit a specific belt width so that the holster will reliably retain its position on the belt. Originals also featured no retention, then simple hammer thongs. I am making this style with the fob-style hammer tab, rotating snap strap, and with thumb-break.

If you haven't caught on just yet, this is not 21st Century technology! I have pursued this project out of a genuine admiration for the original designer and those holster makers who have made this style a legend in its own right.

For many years I have made holsters for concealed carry. These are not intended to be fashion statements (they aren't even intended to be seen, are they?). When I saw an opportunity to re-create not only a classic holster design, but to include the original carving pattern, I lost all perspective and went into this project at full speed. I have enjoyed every minute of it, and I have several customers waiting in line for these!

Best regards.

Edited June 27, 2009 by Lobo

[Rock76]

VERY nice!

[dbusarow]

Can you post a shot with the guns in them? They look great.

Dan

[nobearsyet]

Photo wit hgun in them would be really helpful

[rhall]

Lobo you may be interested in looking at the Elpaso Leather site as they they make a great rendition of the Threepersons Holster!

[Lobo]

Lobo you may be interested in looking at the Elpaso Leather site as they they make a great rendition of the Threepersons Holster!

You are right. El Paso Saddlery makes a very fine example of the Threepersons-style holster. Don Hume of Miami, Oklahoma has been making very nice Threepersons-style holsters for many years. Bucheimer-Clark made their version. In fact, many of Safariland's and Bianchi's products can be traced to the Threepersons original by S.D. Myres Saddlery Company, one of the finest makers ever. Every holster manufacturer of the 20th Century provided some direct or indirect application of this design, it was (and is) that popular!

The entire point of this exercise was to recreate not only the original style, but to provide it with the original carving pattern. No other holster maker is doing this, or has done this to my knowledge.

This 90-year old design is a classic in itself, a credit to its original designer (Tom Threepersons) and original maker (S.D. Myres Saddlery). There have been many, many imitations since 1920, but there is only one recreation of the original style and carving pattern. I am making it now.

By the way, photos posted on my website this morning about 9:00AM; first order arrived prior to 12:00 Noon. Now working with the artist doing my carving on a matching belt and other accessories, as this market seems to demand matching sets.

Edited June 28, 2009 by Lobo

[ChuckBurrows]

Nicely done rendition...

FWIW - with the rotating snap retention device you've in fact pretty much recreated the old George Lawrence Company #120 aka the Elmer Keith model, which is nothing more than the TT model with the retention device added and a minor variation in the shape of

the main seam. Here's a pic of an original uncarved EK model by GLCo with the retention device

Don't know if you've seen it but one of Tom's original carved holsters along with one of his Colt SAA's with MOP grips is pictured in the book Peacemakers by R. L. Wilson -

here's a pic of the holster only

[zaptoid]

Note to moderators: previous posts on this topic have been moved to other categories. I appreciate your attention, but this subject might best appeal to holster makers in general, so I will continue posting here.

Those of you who have followed this topic know that I have been pursuing both the re-creation of a 90-plus year old holster pattern, as well as re-creating the original Sheridan-style carving of the original holster.

Tom Threepersons was a legendary lawman, serving in San Antonio and El Paso, Texas during the early 20th Century. He designed a holster for his own use and had it produced by the excellent company S.D. Myres Saddlery. That design is probably the most copied and most popular belt holster design in history, becoming the standard for American law enforcement, standard issue for the FBI for many years, and evolved into most of the patterns still being marketed today.

Following an earlier post a forum member submitted a photo of an original Threepersons holster, now residing in a private collection. I was absolutely intrigued with the possibility of not only re-creating the original holster pattern, but matching it with the original hand carving pattern.

Where else to look but leatherworker.net? I ran a couple of posts, received multiple replies, and commissioned a couple of very talented people to do some carving in the original style.

This post exhibits two holsters of very similar style, both carved by the same artist, both assembled and finished by me (all mistakes are mine entirely, by the way!). Thought that I would share this with you folks, as prior posts appear to have been popular.

Photos show two similar holsters featuring two different retention devices. One incorporates a strap with snap (allowing simple rotation forward to permit a "ready" position) and one uses a fob-style hammer tab, easily flipped off with the finger.

These holsters are hand-carved in considerable detail. Any attempt to fit a handgun by boning would destroy detail in the carving, so these are "blocked and cased", i.e. wet-formed to the handgun with nothing more than finger pressure and no tools permitted. The resulting fit is sufficient that either holster can be held upside down while retaining the handguns (S&W Model 19 for one and S&W Model 686 for the other).

Materials used included Hermann Oak 8-oz veg-tanned leather for the carved shells, lining is 2-oz. glove leather. Finish includes a "color wash" that I have devised using a water-soluable brown dye that penetrates easily at edges and carved surfaces, but less so on smooth leather, followed by the classic neatsfoot oil treatment, and acrylic finish. These holsters were finished today, so there remains a few light and dark areas where the oil is still "settling in"; those will even out over the next day or two.

One of the weaknesses of the original Threepersons-style holster is the belt loop. Most originals and reproductions had belt loops fitted for very large belts. Mine are pre-formed to fit a specific belt width so that the holster will reliably retain its position on the belt. Originals also featured no retention, then simple hammer thongs. I am making this style with the fob-style hammer tab, rotating snap strap, and with thumb-break.

If you haven't caught on just yet, this is not 21st Century technology! I have pursued this project out of a genuine admiration for the original designer and those holster makers who have made this style a legend in its own right.

For many years I have made holsters for concealed carry. These are not intended to be fashion statements (they aren't even intended to be seen, are they?). When I saw an opportunity to re-create not only a classic holster design, but to include the original carving pattern, I lost all perspective and went into this project at full speed. I have enjoyed every minute of it, and I have several customers waiting in line for these!

Best regards.

Wonderful. I always look forward to your posts and this is no exception. Thanks for sharing. I am presently stuck in the conceal type holster box but soon hope to break out with a more traditional western/field type holster and this is inspiring me to do just that.

[Lobo]

Zaptoid: Please don't allow yourself to be stuck with anything! Find a way to make it happen.

I have eight grandchildren, and a great-grandson. I have spent most of my life stuck doing the necessary while putting off the things that I might like to do, might be able to create (if only I had the time, money, etc).

I'm at a point in my life now where I don't owe anybody anything. The house is paid for, the vehicles are paid for, the Harley Davidson is paid for, the boat is paid for. In short, I can do what I want to whenever I wish. I find that what I want to do involves creating things that other folks are willing to pay me well to create for them.

Please don't misunderstand me. I am not advising you to give up the day job to pursue some dream. All I am saying is that no one should ever allow himself to feel "stuck", you should let yourself do the best you can with every opportunity that presents itself.

For me, the connection/infatuation is obviously the Threepersons-style. For you, it seems to be the western style. The world has plenty of room for whatever you choose to create, or re-create. I don't profess to be an artist, I don't even profess to be a craftsman; all I know is that I can turn out good quality holsters and gear for those that want them at a reasonable price. When I needed an artist, I went to leatherworker.net and found people to help me fill those needs.

Best regards.

[Lobo]

Update, for what it may be worth. Posted these photos on my website and within 3 hours had the first order for a hand-carved holster. Since then I have received a dozen inquiries and several more orders.

The Threepersons design is not likely to go away any time soon, I think.

[carljc72]

Congratulations. With such a good looking holster, I am sure there will never be a shortage of orders.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

That is the best work I've seen you produce, LOBO. Any pimp or rookie cop would be proud to own that one!

[Lobo]

That is the best work I've seen you produce, LOBO. Any pimp or rookie cop would be proud to own that one!

Well, thank you, sir. I don't claim to be an artist. I don't even claim to be a craftsman. Occasionally something gets out of my mouth (or off of my keyboard) that comes back to me and I have to accept responsibility for it. Touche.

I think I'll let you take the pimp and rookie cop market, and I'll just settle for the occasional reproduction of classic styles and patterns for those who appreciate them.

Best regards.

[BOOMSTICKHolsters]

I think I'll let you take the pimp and rookie cop market, and I'll just settle for the occasional reproduction of classic styles and patterns for those who appreciate them.

I would do that, but "Pimp-Stick Holsters" sounds silly. I'm just having a little fun with you for the shot you took at me a while back. Whether you are an artist, a craftsman, or something entirely different, there is nothing wrong with taking pride in workmanship; a good looking rig isn't any less functional than a plain one (sometimes they're actually better if the differences serve a purpose).

I have a genuine admiration for the original designers and holster makers as well. I am attempting to do what they did in their time; strive to improve both my craftsmanship and my designs as the needs of shooters evolve and become more refined. There is more than one way to appreciate the efforts of our predecessors, just like there is more than one way to build a holster. If reproductions are what you enjoy building, I hope you continue to excel at them and carve a niche out for yourself in the holster market. That really is the nicest piece I have seen you post here.

My regards to you, Sir.

[Lobo]

I would do that, but "Pimp-Stick Holsters" sounds silly. I'm just having a little fun with you for the shot you took at me a while back. Whether you are an artist, a craftsman, or something entirely different, there is nothing wrong with taking pride in workmanship; a good looking rig isn't any less functional than a plain one (sometimes they're actually better if the differences serve a purpose).

I have a genuine admiration for the original designers and holster makers as well. I am attempting to do what they did in their time; strive to improve both my craftsmanship and my designs as the needs of shooters evolve and become more refined. There is more than one way to appreciate the efforts of our predecessors, just like there is more than one way to build a holster. If reproductions are what you enjoy building, I hope you continue to excel at them and carve a niche out for yourself in the holster market. That really is the nicest piece I have seen you post here.

My regards to you, Sir.

When the day comes that we lose that degree of admiration for those who came before us, those who solved all the real problems involved, and left for us truly inspirational pieces to emulate, that is the day that we should shut down our little shops and do other things with our time.

I am enjoying making accurate reproductions of a 90-year old holster design, while improving on it in several ways that the original makers never would have thought of, as no one ever asked them to do so. I am enjoying having modern artists recreate the original carving patterns displayed on Mr. Tom Threepersons' personal holster, which no other modern maker has done to my knowledge.

Meanwhile, I continue to operate a small business turning out 20 to 30 production items per week in my little shop on the south bank of the Arkansas River in Pueblo, Colorado. I continue to receive 8 to 10 e-mail inquiries per day, some of which result in interesting custom work that challenges me to do more every day and every week.

Every day is a new day, with new opportunities and challenges. I am an old man, with 8 grandchildren and a (nearly year-old) great-grandson. Life is good for me.

I hope that life will always be good for you, sir.

Edited July 9, 2009 by Lobo

[AKRob]

Photo wit hgun in them would be really helpful

Yes, we see why you wanted other people's photos: to claim as your own work.

This "Nobearsyet " AKA: George Barned Or George Barnes posted the Tom Threeperson holster and some of Black Hills Leather Holsters as being HIS OWN, on another forum. He was banned from that forum.

http://singleactions.proboards.com/index.c...amp;thread=1171

I've got no skin in this game, but hate a thief and a dumb one at that.

Rob Leahy

Simply Rugged Holsters

Edited July 30, 2009 by AKRob

[Billsotx]

Yes, we see why you wanted other people's photos: to claim as your own work.

This "Nobearsyet " AKA: George Barned Or George Barnes posted the Tom Threeperson holster and some of Black Hills Leather Holsters as being HIS OWN, on another forum. He was banned from that forum.

http://singleactions.proboards.com/index.c...amp;thread=1171

I've got no skin in this game, but hate a thief and a dumb one at that.

Rob Leahy

Simply Rugged Holsters

So we've been exposed to a holster-maker impersonator? Oh, brother! ...

Edited July 31, 2009 by Billsotx