Holster Belt

Western Gun Holsters – Works of Art?

I grew up in the mountains of Pennsylvania. The culture, during my early years, involved guns. We hunted with guns, practiced with guns, and did a lot of target shooting. I can remember going to shooting competitions with my Dad and Grandfather. It was at one of those competitions, that I got my first glimpse of a real western style gun belt and holster. I had seen a lot of the old cowboy movies. Those cowboy stars all had gun belts and holsters, but it was at the shooting competition that I got my first close up look at one. I was really impressed. I can’t remember what the gun looked like, but that gun belt and holster really made a big impression on me. It was really fancy and had beautiful carvings on it.

Well, fifty years have rolled by and I still like to see a quality western gun belt. I have read articles about our Presidents giving American made leather gun belts and fancy carved holsters as gifts to other heads of state. These gifts were considered very valuable by the recipients. They believed that Americans were all cowboys anyway. It is true, our Great Nation, has had quite a love affair with guns.

When you think or read about the 1820′s and how our ancestors lived, you can understand just how important their guns were to them. Now most families back then did not have hand carved holsters hanging off a peg next to the front door. They did have quality leather belts and holsters.

Back then, they got holsters for their guns from small companies that made everything to order. Things haven’t changed very much since then. Now here we are in 2011 and there are still small companies making gun holsters to order. The big difference is that these people are truly artists and masters of their trade. I have seen beautiful works of art being produced in little more than a family garage. The quality and craftsmanship really fills me with pride. These men and women have learned there trade from their fathers and have continued making beautiful leather items throughout their lives.

If you think these small town companies are behind the times and don’t know much about business, you are really missing the whole idea. All this quality and hand made works of art are not cheaply produced. I have seen a double drop loop cartridge belt and two hand carved holsters sell for over $1,000.00. You can still find some of the big companies out there selling there stamped out leather a lot cheaper. But if you want to see a work of art and the mark of a one-of –a-kind carving by a real American Master, they are in the small shops and garages all over this country.

About the Author

George Brokenshire is attemping to open discussions about leather holsters.  You can get more info at:

http://www.bestleatherholsters.com/

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