Real gunbelts with holsters from the 1860s and early 1870s are darn scarce. We picture western holsters as the Mexican-loop holsters that only started to become popular in the 1870s, or even the buscadero types of the 1920s. Genuine holsters of the early west might bear some decoration, but were generally practical, functional, meant for business, worn outdoors, subjected to the elements, repaired when possible, and discarded or scrapped when worn out. This rig is a rare survivor.

The holster fits a narrow-frame revolver on the order of 6-inch 1849 Colt,  a very popular style of revolver gold-miners, travelers, adventurers and denizens of the early west who were not influenced by television cowboys in the selection of sidearms. Originally a holster with full flap, the flap was removed for quicker access to the pistol and when the belt loop gave way from use and wear the owner cut slits in the body of the holster for the belt, and then to keep it functional later added leather thongs. The belt is a very typical 1860s black narrow leather belt with a simple, black-japanned horseshoe buckle and fixed retaining loop, that shows some stretching from wear, along with crackling and finish loss from flexing and use. A narrow crescent on one edge might be an old rodent bite. A slightly longer, narrower section was likely made to better fit or position the belt loop of the holster or perhaps to fit a belt knife. We have left the holster positioned on the inside of the belt just as it came to us. It could be hung from the outside, but the owner may have decided to reduce stress on the loop cuts by belting it more tightly to the body.

Neither belt or holster has been treated with any leather dressing or preservative. The rig has a great, untouched look and would be a great addition to an early western display.  [sr]

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