October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
According to the definitive book "U.S. Military Holsters and Related Accouterments" by: Edward Scott Meadows. Military saddle holsters were made for Colt revolvers including the Walker, Dragoon, Model 1851 Navy and Model 1860 Army. Saddle holsters for Walker revolvers have not been clearly identified and fit, by default, has been the defining criteria. The Ordnance Department contracted for holsters but documentary evidence is lacking as to the exact specifications. Captain Walker purportedly had another lot made in New Orleans prior to his departure for Vera Cruz, Mexico. One known Colt Walker saddle holsters were made by the J.C. Shackleford & Company in Cincinnati Ohio in 1947, only two of these saddle holsters are known to exist today. On page 17 of Meadows book is a photograph and description that fits the subject holster being offered in this auction exactly. The description reads: "Saddle holsters for Colt Walker revolvers made of bridle leather consisting of eleven component parts, two bodies, two flaps with closing straps, two surcingle strap loops, a connecting strap, two brass finials and two brass end caps with star motif. The holster bodies and flaps are molded to shape and an extension of the connecting strap forms the upper rear portion of the body. The flaps are stitched to the connecting strap and the closing straps to the flap. The holsters are unmarked". Provenance Max Guenthert collection CONDITION: Subject holster is missing both cover flaps, and is unmarked. Leather is very good considering age and use. The center of the connecting strap is very delicate with heavy use. The overall leather finish has minimum crazing and is structurally solid. This is a unique opportunity to acquire an extremely rare Colt Walker holster. -MKS-