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 "45". It is made to accommodate a Colt Single Action Army revolver with a 5 1/2 inch barrel 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 .45 Long Colt cartridges and a nickeled buckle. The billet with the buckle is marked "45" while the opposite billet has the maker's mark and "1". It measures 3 inches wide and approximately 45 inches long including the billet. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection