The Classic Tom Threepersons' Style Again

[Lobo]

I recently had a request for the Threepersons' style holster, hand-carved to the original pattern, and done as closely as possible to the original. Tom Threepersons' carried a 5.5" Colt Single Action Army in the original holster made by "Tio Sam" S.D. Myres Saddlery, El Paso, Texas in about 1920. The customer carries a 4.75" Colt Single Action Army and lives in Texas.

Here is the result. Like the original it is open-top and unlined. Finish is neetsfoot oil warmed sufficiently to incorporate a bit of beeswax in solution, applied with a piece of shearling, then buffed to a soft sheen, which is a period-correct method and very likely what was used on the original. I've been wanting to try that method for some time, and I am pleased with the results.

[Abram]

That is beautiful, good job. How long did it take to make something like that?

[Peter Darby]

I like it. is the belt loop sewn on or integral to the holster pattern?

[Lobo]

That is beautiful, good job. How long did it take to make something like that?

Thank you. The carving work is done for me by a very talented artist in the Sheridan style, who tells me that it takes about two hours overall to carve each holster. I cut the patterns then send them out for carving. When returned the actual assembly, stitching, forming and finishing work are done along with my other regular production. Everything is done in batches of about a dozen pieces at a time over the course of several days, resulting in average "shop time" of about 47 minutes per completed holster.

[katsass]

I recently had a request for the Threepersons' style holster, hand-carved to the original pattern, and done as closely as possible to the original. Tom Threepersons' carried a 5.5" Colt Single Action Army in the original holster made by "Tio Sam" S.D. Myres Saddlery, El Paso, Texas in about 1920. The customer carries a 4.75" Colt Single Action Army and lives in Texas.

Here is the result. Like the original it is open-top and unlined. Finish is neetsfoot oil warmed sufficiently to incorporate a bit of beeswax in solution, applied with a piece of shearling, then buffed to a soft sheen, which is a period-correct method and very likely what was used on the original. I've been wanting to try that method for some time, and I am pleased with the results.

As always Ray, your stuff is impeccable. I have no idea why, but it was locked into my mind that the original was designed for an early S&W DA wheelgun, maybe because they fit so well ---- thanks for setting me straight. Mike

Edited December 1, 2011 by katsass

[Lobo]

I like it. is the belt loop sewn on or integral to the holster pattern?

The Threepersons' style is a relatively simple one-piece pattern. The belt loop is integral, folding down and stitched to the back side. On many of this style the loops are made quite large. I prefer to size them for the intended belt, forming the loop on a wooden mandrel as part of the wet-forming process.

The main holster seam is assembled with a welt (narrow piece of heavy leather reinforcement between the inner and outer edges) and stitched.

[Eaglestroker]

Beautiful as always, Ray. if I could get that color out of an undyed piece of hide I wouldn't bother dying brown!

[Abram]

Thank you. The carving work is done for me by a very talented artist in the Sheridan style, who tells me that it takes about two hours overall to carve each holster. I cut the patterns then send them out for carving. When returned the actual assembly, stitching, forming and finishing work are done along with my other regular production. Everything is done in batches of about a dozen pieces at a time over the course of several days, resulting in average "shop time" of about 47 minutes per completed holster.

2 hours 47 mintes, WOW, I suppose in say 20 years after diligently working with leather I might be able to do something like that. Right now I would be happy just for one of my holster to come out without blemishes...lol.