Main & Winchester Rig

[Marshal Will]

I decided a good way to spend a couple hours on the 4th of July was to start a new holster. I still have time to do a BBQ this afternoon. This new holster is a copy of an 1860-ish Main & Winchester. The pattern I had made already, including a new belt loop pattern since M&W made theirs different than the pattern I generally use. This holster has an interesting asymmetrical trigger cutout. It was fun to play with to get to look right. There's less taper to the toe so I had to make that part much wider than any pattern I already have, almost stovepipe in shape. It's also an open toe so it'll be a little different than many I've made. It'll fit anything, though. This morning I cut the leather and did the decorative work on it. To make my too small makers stamp bigger, I ran a border tool around it. It still is a bit undersized but at least it looks OK. Now the pieces are drying.

The original:


What I have so far (including part of the belt that will go with it):


Happy Independence Day, Pards!

[Navy Six]

Nice holsters and thanks for making them OPENED TOED BTW, how wide did you make the strip for the belt loop?

[Marshal Will]

I figured you'd like that. Actually you can thank Main & Winchester for the open toe. A lot of their designs were that way.

[Miguel Loco]

Great work! Been over 100 in the garage the past while. Too hot for me to enjoy leatherwork. So thanks for posting these pics. I always learn something from you....it's appreciated.

[Len]

Hi Marshal,
is that a left side/left hand holster, or a right hand with butt forward, or both ???
I suppose a left hand cross draw would have something like a 22 degrees angle on the belt loop ???

[Marshal Will]

Thanks, Mick. Much appreciated. Yeah, 100+ isn't conducive to working on anything.

Hi Len, the original is a left strong side holster but it could be worn right side butt forward, too. The one I'm making is the reverse of that.

On a side note, I don't have the patience to wait 160+ years for the leather to darken so I'm thinking of going with a medium brown. Probably what the original will look like in another 200 years. 

[Marshal Will]

The dye took darker than I expected so make it the color the original would be in another 500 years beyond that.

[Hawg]

That original is in very nice shape. I'm sure yours will turn out very well even if the color is off from the original.

[Marshal Will]

That original is in very nice shape. I'm sure yours will turn out very well even if the color is off from the original.

You're right about it being in great shape. It must have been well taken care of. The color is good and I wasn't trying to duplicate the original color anyway. It'll be a fine rig.

[Marshal Will]

The holster is done and it came out good. I used a hammer handle to round out the toe. I'm pleased with it. Other than a couple minor adjustments to the pattern, it's good to go. I'll make those changes to my pattern and have it ready should I make another one.





When the the belt is done and I get an overcast day for good lighting, I'll post a good photo of it.

[Zulch]

Looks beautiful Marshal!!

[Marshal Will]

Thanks, Z. I finished up the belt and will get a good photo as soon as I have some decent lighting. Right now, the light is too stark with too many shadows.

[Hawg]

Loookiiing goooood!!!!

[G Dog]

Those look great, Marshal.  Nice work.  We have a few very competent leather workers here.

Question:
Among leather-smiths, is it considered impertinent of a client to request that the maker’s mark be put on the reverse side of a holster?  Does that go against protocol?

[Marshal Will]

Those look great, Marshal.  Nice work.  We have some very competent leather workers here.

Question:
Among leather-smiths, is it considered impertinent of a client to request that the maker’s mark be put on the reverse side of a holster?  Does that go against protocol?

Thanks, G Dog.

I think it's up to how you feel on that. For a customer to request you hide your stamp isn't out of line unless it takes away from the overall look. For example, on a Meanea Cheyenne holster, the stamp is on the lower strap and part of the design appeal. I wouldn't make one without the stamp on it but I'd make sure my stamp was totally in keeping with the historical appeal.



There are times I put the stamp on the back by choice so it doesn't take away from the decorative elements. In the case of this M&W, the maker's stamp is part of the design. Even at that, some M&W holsters do have it on the back where it isn't too noticeable.

So, it's up to you on that. I wouldn't necessarily take offence at such a request but I'd also consider if the customer was being reasonable. If he didn't want me to put a stamp on it at all, I'd wonder at his motive and politely recommend he find another leather maker.