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Stray thoughts - Leather Holsters
offeror
Member Posts: 8,625 ✭✭
One of the biggest "buys" at some gun shows is to be found in an anonymous, messy-looking box, bin or plastic carton -- a leather holster.
I had the good fortune to work with a highly experienced antique dealer for a few years, and through him I expanded my appreciation of collectibles with an appreciation of fine materials -- in his case it was usually silver - I learned something about the differences between grades of silver -- from plate, to coin to hotel quality to Sterling to Sheffield (if it's stamped Sheffield, it probably isn't, but if it doesn't say Sheffield on it, it might be) and so forth.
The reason I bore you with that sidebar is that I got to thinking about holsters, and the fact that I've gotten some great buys on them lately -- picking up holsters that cost over $50 twenty years ago for maybe $20 in some guy's miscellaneous bin. A good leather holster has character, craftsmanship, sometimes all hand work, going for it, something the plastics never will. A good leather holster will not only hold its value, but often a good one will increase over time and become a collectible. Not just holsters, mind you, but mag holders, accessory holders, that sort of thing.
I just thought I'd mention it. I have recently picked up some finds, spent a little time and loving care brushing them up, and I've got some fine results in my collection. With a little leather soap, leather dye and a good buffing you can turn a sow's ear back into a real silk purse. I have discovered that a few of the holsters in my collection, that I never used much, don't have a scratch on them. With prices of leather holsters the way they are now new, it is worth your while to "rescue" as many good holsters as you possibly can afford. They are a good investment, and the pride of ownership is something too. They look great when worn, and they often present a gun like lightning. Some of these leathers have more beauty in the grain and coloration than fine woods.
Leather holsters, ladies and gentlemen. I love 'em. And you dealers -- polish them up, touch up the scratches, and with decent presentation (not in a grab bin) you'll be surprised what someone will pay for a good one. And please, keep the right handed separated from the left handed -- for my sake.
- Life NRA Member
"If cowardly & dishonorable men shoot unarmed men with army guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary...and not by general deprivation of constitutional privilege." - Arkansas Supreme Court, 1878
I had the good fortune to work with a highly experienced antique dealer for a few years, and through him I expanded my appreciation of collectibles with an appreciation of fine materials -- in his case it was usually silver - I learned something about the differences between grades of silver -- from plate, to coin to hotel quality to Sterling to Sheffield (if it's stamped Sheffield, it probably isn't, but if it doesn't say Sheffield on it, it might be) and so forth.
The reason I bore you with that sidebar is that I got to thinking about holsters, and the fact that I've gotten some great buys on them lately -- picking up holsters that cost over $50 twenty years ago for maybe $20 in some guy's miscellaneous bin. A good leather holster has character, craftsmanship, sometimes all hand work, going for it, something the plastics never will. A good leather holster will not only hold its value, but often a good one will increase over time and become a collectible. Not just holsters, mind you, but mag holders, accessory holders, that sort of thing.
I just thought I'd mention it. I have recently picked up some finds, spent a little time and loving care brushing them up, and I've got some fine results in my collection. With a little leather soap, leather dye and a good buffing you can turn a sow's ear back into a real silk purse. I have discovered that a few of the holsters in my collection, that I never used much, don't have a scratch on them. With prices of leather holsters the way they are now new, it is worth your while to "rescue" as many good holsters as you possibly can afford. They are a good investment, and the pride of ownership is something too. They look great when worn, and they often present a gun like lightning. Some of these leathers have more beauty in the grain and coloration than fine woods.
Leather holsters, ladies and gentlemen. I love 'em. And you dealers -- polish them up, touch up the scratches, and with decent presentation (not in a grab bin) you'll be surprised what someone will pay for a good one. And please, keep the right handed separated from the left handed -- for my sake.
- Life NRA Member
"If cowardly & dishonorable men shoot unarmed men with army guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary...and not by general deprivation of constitutional privilege." - Arkansas Supreme Court, 1878
Comments
use the leather. Just don't store the blued guns in leather for a time, as it will eat the bluing.
SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
Good luck buddy. Like the commercial states 'Got Cash'? You're going to be looking at a custom job, from my experience looking for these. I'd say plan on about $200.00, ouch!
SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC