Featured Antique American Holster

Hello all,

Not sure it qualifies as Militaria (probably not). But was not sure where it would fit correctly, any admin feel free to move it.

I recently purchased this antique holster (a bit on a whim) and was wondering if someone would be able to give an opinion as to the dating (seller said early 20th century). If the knife type is of help, I can post a photo as well of it separately.


Many thanks and happy week

 

not so much a military rig as I see it.....but very nice....
looks like it would fit a Colt type revolver...like SAA.
I know blades more than guns , and if the knife is a Sheffield bowie or similar , and original to the rig....then I'd suspect late 1800's would be a good possibility....

Any marks u can see...on the belt buckle.....?

& yes....a clear shot of the knife...handle & blade....and the sheath,,,,,, would be helpful insomuch as seems to be part of the rig..

 

where r u........ where did u get it....?

 

Hello komokwa, many many thanks for your input.

So I bought it from an auction house in Italy (called Czerny's) which sells mostly militaria but also other world antiques. They described it as from the USA, first half of the 20th century. Of the knife I have this other photo, dont have any more pictures as it hasn't arrived yet.

It's just something quite out of my usually area and was eager to hear it out some opinions.

Again thanks komokwa and anyone who bothers to take a look

 

And I am located in Spain thats why i went with an eu auction house

 

Looks a lot like one my dad had that was his fathers from the 1930s. His didnt have a knife though.

 

I edited the previous comment just to had the photo of the knife to the body of the message

 

That's why I ask......we'll need to see it when you get it !
A Spanish rig is not out of the question.
Guys put together rigs to suit them...sometimes partly or all bench made......even if the gun was present.....it may not be definitive.
The more I look at the holster , the more it seems homemade.

The blade..... a bowie style spear point.... likely Sheffield.....could easily be gotten in Spain.
The sheath...American in style only...
If it's a Spanish rig, someone modelled it on a US cowboy looking item..... but this one is getting away from me....

@the blacksmith

 

Interesting, you think its likely its been made abroad? While the auction house is reputable and sold many other US antiques (civil war etc), I supppose that possibility cannot be rules out, definitely not Spain but maybe elsewhere.


Will do, I will post closer up photos of details as soon as I get it .

Once more thanks

 

I'm sure the auction house is legit.......but may not be all knowing !
You say not Spain......... if it were I'd expect to find a Spanish blade......but you say definitely ........ what leads you to believe that ??

 

Definitely agree with the not being all knowing and thus turning to the forum which has been of much help in the past.

Ah only reason I said definitely not Spain, is that while not I can't rule it out, it was bought from Italy and not having any mention of Spain on it's provenance I would find it strange it came from there. But can have been made in Europe as you suggested as far as I know yes of course. And in Italy the Old West always had a big appeal for example

 

when I saw it my 1st thought was reenactors ........

 

the blade may be the find here....... when u get it don't clean it.......until we see and inspect it...

 

A bit disappointing if it is a reenactors work but well, it is what it is. I will post more photos, many thanks again komokwa. Might be a while though (exporting and importing sharp things is not a quick process, even between EU some countries)

Cheers

 

get back here when you can !!!

I want to see ....need to see, clear close ups please.

not too close.....not to far....

SIDEBAR....


I'm used to seeing the Sheffield Bowie as a clip point..... and above is a mismatch because the sheath is clearly for a spear point.......which I myself consider as a dagger .

.but it's is also called a Bowie....

.


the sheaths....come in such a wild amount of variations that I throw up my hands trying to tell which actually came with the blades....

 

Promise I will!

So cool the bowie, I can imagine what you mean with the sheaths. Such an old knife type with so many different variations and uses.

Personally I love the clip point, spear tip is cool but definitely removes practical uses

 

Practical use in their era included personal defense; San Francisco during the last third of the 19th C was the home of several renown knife makers, an' the spear-point dagger was a favorite EDC for those folks who were often abroad on those perilous streets. It's still a very attractive handful.

 

Hello! Just getting back to put some recent info. Eager to know more, I also asked Jim Boeke from the River Junction Trade company (https://www.riverjunction.com/), who seemed a knowledgeable person to weigh in.

In his opinion: "The items could very well be American" ; "It is my opinion that this rig is very likely early 1900s", "I think it was definitely made for serious use, and not a reenactors prop". "
"This rig is what I would call bunk house made. All components were assembled by someone who was working with what he had. The only solid valued item is the knife. It has been shortened from use."

So agreeing with most of what was said here . Will still post more photos when getting it, specially of the knife to see what else we can find out.

Many thanks

 

shortened from use

possible........but they did come in all sizes........

 

Komo, your pics of those 3 early bowie knives triggered my memory of one I've had for decades...an' thought of as somehow modified due to a) missing guard, an' b) the small size of the grip.
I looked for (an' found!) it...pics to follow. It's Sheffield, by Challenger Cutlery. I'll be grateful for your comments on what you see in it...Thanks!