Manufactured in the mid to late 19th century, possibly as early as the California Gold Rush, this California pattern holster was intended for a Colt Model 1851 Navy or a cartridge conversion variant of it. The popularity of this type of holster began in the late 1840s during the percussion era of Colt revolvers and carried over into the era of cartridge conversions. The holster itself has deeply carved floral designs and a separate belt loop riveted onto the back of the body. A similar holster to this one is pictured on p. 80 of "Packing Iron: Gunleather of the Frontier West" by Rattenbury. Paired with the holster is a scarce, early, thin cartridge belt with one row of cartridge loops, likely intended for the early .38 RF or CF cartridges, and a German silver buckle. Neither item has a maker's mark.

Very good, the holster showing mostly mild wear, crisp carving, and most of the stitching remaining tight. There is a repair mark at the muzzle end. The belt shows moderate wear and extensive age related cracking, with the cartridge loop stitching remaining tight. This is a rare opportunity to add an early frontier holster rig for a Colt cartridge conversion revolver to your collection!