This incredible 19th century western holster rig is marked "G.W. LANCASTER/MAKER/LEADVILLE, COLO." in an oval behind the toe of the double loop holster which has a tooled basket-weave pattern. The holster is long enough to fit a Colt Single Action Army in "Cavalry" configuration with a 7 1/2 inch barrel. The belt does not have a maker's mark and is 2 3/4 inches wide and 40 inches long and made of heavy brown leather. The body has some light chevron patterns. It is marked "36" and "932/44" and has 29 cartridge loops. George Washington Lancaster (1845-1928) of Leadville, Lake County, Colorado, fought in as a corporal in Company B of the 46th Iowa Infantry during the Civil War and became a pioneer harness and saddle manufacturer in Wyoming and then Colorado in the late 19th century. In the 1879 Leadville City Directory, he was listed at 79 West Chestnut. He later moved to Denver.

Fine with moderate wear from use and age and an amazingly crisp maker's mark. This would make an excellent companion to a Colorado Colt Single Action Army. Gun leather from Leadville, Colorado, is very rare. According to the consignor, only one other Leadville marked holster is known, and this is the only known from Lancaster's shop. This rig is certainly worthy of a Colorado museum or advanced private western arms collection.