Brothers Gilbert H. and John S. Collins first set up their saddle and leather goods making and wholesaling business in Omaha, Nebraska in 1864, but quickly discovered that many of their goods were more popular further west. From 1872 to 1876, John served as the post trader at Fort Laramie, expanding their business to Cheyenne in the Wyoming Territory. In 1880, Gilbert died, leading John to begin downsizing the business, selling the Cheyenne shop in 1886. Not happy in his retirement, John decided to open a shop in Omaha once again, this time in partnership with John Morrison. The business was purchased in 1890 by Alfred Cornish, who had also purchased the Cheyenne location, who continued to sell saddles and other items under the Collins name for many years. Bearing the Collins & Morrison maker's mark, this holster and belt were made c. the late 1800s. The holster has lightly tooled borders and the maker's mark on the front along with "41". It can hold a 4 1/2 inch barreled Colt Model 1877 revolver and is in "cross draw" configuration for a right handed shooter. The belt has a single row of cartridge loops that appear to be for .38 Long Colt cartridges and a nickeled buckle with clipped corners. The billet with the buckle is marked "38/P" while the opposite billet has the maker's mark and "1". It measures 2 3/4 inches wide and approximately 43 3/4 inches long. Holsters made for the Colt Model 1877 revolver are desirable and rare in comparison to those made for the more prominent Single Action Army. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Very fine overall with some mild wear and handling evidence, typical of use, some scattered light age-cracking, and almost all of the stitching remaining tight. This is a rare opportunity to add a matching holster and gun belt to your collection to pair with a Colt Model 1877 revolver!