Another Look At The Threepersons-Style

[Lobo]

I have been making the Threepersons-style holsters for many years. About 18 months ago I commissioned a very talented man to recreate the carving pattern on Tom Threepersons' original holster. Since that time orders have been steady.

I have always thought that floral and Sheridan-style carving were best displayed with a natural oiled tan finish. Some customers like an antique finish. Some like the black-inked background.

I recently receive an order for the carved Threepersons-style holster in cordovan brown. I was somewhat concerned that the dark finish would not properly display the carving work, but when it was finished I found it to be a real eye-catcher!

Here it is. 8-oz. Hermann Oak lined with 3-oz. calfskin, dyed, lightly oiled, sealed with acrylic and final finish of Bag Kote. It carries a Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 magnum 4".

Edited August 4, 2010 by Lobo

[steelhawk]

Lobo, that is a great looking holster. Excellent work.

[particle]

Very nice. If you apply the antique for those customers that request it, at what point do you apply it?

[gregintenn]

I love it! You wouldn't want to share that floral pattern with us would you?

[Joeg]

I have been making the Threepersons-style holsters for many years. About 18 months ago I commissioned a very talented man to recreate the carving pattern on Tom Threepersons' original holster. Since that time orders have been steady.

I have always thought that floral and Sheridan-style carving were best displayed with a natural oiled tan finish. Some customers like an antique finish. Some like the black-inked background.

I recently receive an order for the carved Threepersons-style holster in cordovan brown. I was somewhat concerned that the dark finish would not properly display the carving work, but when it was finished I found it to be a real eye-catcher!

Here it is. 8-oz. Hermann Oak lined with 3-oz. calfskin, dyed, lightly oiled, sealed with acrylic and final finish of Bag Kote. It carries a Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 magnum 4".

Great looking holster. Nice Work. Ditto on the sharing the pattern reply.

[Denster]

Lobo. That is just a flat out wow!!!!!!

[Dwight]

You did a great job on that one Lobo, . . . thanks for sharing, . . . it's always a treat to see your leather work.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Lobo]

Thanks for the kind words.

The holster pattern was developed by me as a close replication of Tom Threepersons' original holster, made by S.D. Myres Saddlery c. 1920. Much interesting history there, which a Google search of "Tom Threepersons" will turn up. The holster itself is not particularly difficult to make, being of envelope-style construction with folded belt loop and welted-seam design.

The artistry of the carving is another matter entirely. The carving pattern was developed, at my request and based upon a photograph of Tom's original holster, by a very talented artist who performs the carving work for me. I respect the fact that the results of his work are his property, not mine to share. If you are interested in making contact with him I will forward your contact information to him and he may respond to those he wishes to discuss mutual interests with. I consider myself to be a pretty fair craftsman, but he is an artist in leather carving deserving the highest respect.

Best regards.

[Lobo]

Very nice. If you apply the antique for those customers that request it, at what point do you apply it?

I have had good results applying the antique after the first (light) application of neatsfoot oil, then oiling again with a moderate application, followed by sealing and final finish. The carved leather will absorb neatsfoot oil very readily, much like the flesh side of leather, so moderation is called for during these applications to avoid excess.

[Larry]

Beautiful work Lobo, as usual...

I also did a Tom Threepeson and I tried to get it as close to what they say is the original, but who really knows. I copied the picture of his holster off the internet. Then I sized it in a Graphics Software Program then traced the design as close as I could.

I was so interested in the Threeperson story that I had to do one. He was quite a man and the holster design he came up with was used by lawmen until just recently.

Anyway here it is. No where near the quality that you have in your holster. I've only been doing this for about a year and have only done 5 or 6 holsters. The second photo shows how much I need to work or my knife work, but I'm learning and I love it. It obvious the person that did your holster carving is a real artist. I can only hope that someday I'll be half as good. Larry