Contributing Member UKRay Posted March 2, 2011 Contributing Member Report Posted March 2, 2011 I'm looking at making a couple of replica holsters and would like to make them as authentic as possible. Has anyone got any pictures of original western holsters and belts they can post or maybe links to websites that have these images? Hope you can help. Ray Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
Ambassador Luke Hatley Posted March 2, 2011 Ambassador Report Posted March 2, 2011 (edited) Ray there are a lot of books out there on holsters...but the best one i have found, there are no patterns tho, just photos. Packing Iorn.... Gunleather of the Frontier West by,Richard C.Rattenbury.......... (just a thought have you looked thru the Time Life Books,there might be some ideas in The Gunfighters....Cowboys books. Edited March 2, 2011 by Luke Hatley Quote Luke
Members ChuckBurrows Posted March 2, 2011 Members Report Posted March 2, 2011 Along with the book recommended you can get authentic patterns from Will Ghormley. For online research take a look at the www.bbhc.org site http://old.bbhc.org/collections/bbhc/Search_cfm.cfm?method=byMake Also auction sites such as: Cowan's, Greg Martin, Butterfields and Gary Hendershott (http://www.garyhendershott.net/catalogs/132 catalogs #144 & 146 especially) Quote Wild Rose Trading Company Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
Contributing Member UKRay Posted March 5, 2011 Author Contributing Member Report Posted March 5, 2011 Thanks guys. Most appreciated. I have just ordered 'Packing Iron' and will check the rest out asap. Cheers, Ray Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
Members azleatherman Posted March 10, 2011 Members Report Posted March 10, 2011 I'm looking at making a couple of replica holsters and would like to make them as authentic as possible. Has anyone got any pictures of original western holsters and belts they can post or maybe links to websites that have these images? Hope you can help. Ray Greetings Ray: I think the guys have "nailed it", Packing Iron is one of the best sources for both information and pictures of period gun rigs, from the beginning to the end!!! Much of my product these days is taken right out of that book!! Trust me, if you are a little inovative and good with pattern making, you can figure them out! rick Quote
Contributing Member UKRay Posted March 10, 2011 Author Contributing Member Report Posted March 10, 2011 Thanks, Rick. I'm keen to see the book! Ray Greetings Ray: I think the guys have "nailed it", Packing Iron is one of the best sources for both information and pictures of period gun rigs, from the beginning to the end!!! Much of my product these days is taken right out of that book!! Trust me, if you are a little inovative and good with pattern making, you can figure them out! rick Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
Members cjmt Posted April 21, 2011 Members Report Posted April 21, 2011 Thanks, Rick. I'm keen to see the book! Ray Hi Ray, I'm curious, if you have the book by now does it make any mention of buckles used? Charlie Quote
Contributing Member UKRay Posted April 21, 2011 Author Contributing Member Report Posted April 21, 2011 Charlie, I didn't notice any mention of the type of buckles used (I'm away from the workshop today or I'd take another look for you) but there are plenty of excellent pictures of all kinds of leather and the buckles are clearly illustrated. Initially, I thought it was an extravagance as the book is quite expensive, but I have to say it was worth every penny as a reference work. Thanks to all those who suggested it. Ray Quote "Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps" Ray Hatley www.barefootleather.co.uk
Moderator Art Posted April 21, 2011 Moderator Report Posted April 21, 2011 Hi Ray, Packing Iron is great, Will Ghormley patterns are very good also. Chuck failed to mention his Videos, one on sheathmaking and the other on holstermaking. Chuck's videos show methods of aging or distressing leather so they don't have that "brandy new" look. Using those techniques will make the holster blend in when worn, not scream "here I am". How I do wish we could get Chuck to make a video on his beading techniques. Chuck is the master at this form of decoration that is slipping away from us as we speak. Art Charlie, I didn't notice any mention of the type of buckles used (I'm away from the workshop today or I'd take another look for you) but there are plenty of excellent pictures of all kinds of leather and the buckles are clearly illustrated. Initially, I thought it was an extravagance as the book is quite expensive, but I have to say it was worth every penny as a reference work. Thanks to all those who suggested it. Ray Quote For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!
Members cjmt Posted April 21, 2011 Members Report Posted April 21, 2011 Charlie, I didn't notice any mention of the type of buckles used (I'm away from the workshop today or I'd take another look for you) but there are plenty of excellent pictures of all kinds of leather and the buckles are clearly illustrated. Initially, I thought it was an extravagance as the book is quite expensive, but I have to say it was worth every penny as a reference work. Thanks to all those who suggested it. Ray Hi Ray, If you can be bothered and you remember when you next have it open I'd be really interested to know if types are mentioned or you can identify them. Being rather a geek I'm very interested in the history of the West End buckle family and I'm sure they were being used at that time but have no sources to prove it.. Charlie Quote
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