Manufactured in the second half of the 19th century, this is a very good example of a transitional type holster between what is popularly known as the "Slim Jim" or "California Pattern" holster and the "Mexican Loop" holster, both of which were mainstays of holster rigs in the American West. This example has no maker's marks, which was not uncommon for these products which, in many cases, were considered secondary to their primary business of making saddles and harnesses. The holster itself shows the thin, form-fit shape and sewn in toe plug of the "Slim Jim" pattern while also having the folded over backing apron and two retention loops of the "Mexican Loop" style, which are riveted straight to the apron. The holster will accommodate a Colt Single Action Army revolver with a 7 1/2 inch barrel. The included cartridge belt is marked "45c" near the buckle and is also of an earlier style, measuring only 1 1/2 inches wide, with a single short row of cartridge loops that appear to be for .44 or .45 caliber cartridges. The loops appear to have been replaced during the period of use. It is fitted with a rectangular buckle that appears to have once been nickeled. It measures approximately 38 inches long including the billet.

Good, showing the moderate wear of use on the American Frontier with some scattered age cracking and scuffs. The belt has a minor tear in the edge that shows some glue repair, and the cartridge loops are period replacements. This would be a great holster rig to pair with an early Colt Single Action Army that has real frontier grit!