Richard “Red” Nichols was lead designer at the Bianchi holster company for many years.  I’ve known him for decades: he was often in attendance back in the days when I shot the Bianchi Cup, and I’ll never forget him taking me and some other writers on a fascinating tour of the factory in Temecula, California.

He and collector John Witty have just come out with a fascinating book called “Holstory,” the title being a clever play on “history of holsters.”  Being on top of this topic more than most folks, I was surprised at how much I learned between its strikingly photographed covers.

For example, I had known of famed early Twentieth Century gunfighter Tom Threepersons and his holster design, but didn’t know the details of all that went into those scabbards, nor the fascinating tale behind the identity confusion that occurred between him and Canadian rodeo champion Tom Three Persons.

Much of the value of this book is in the richness of detail.  The complicated relationship between mid-Twentieth Century New York holster-maker Chic Gaylord, some of whose designs we still use today, and his controversial protégé and successor Paris Theodore, for example.  I had grown up seeing pictures of the legendary gun expert Elmer Keith doing fast draw exhibitions drawing big twin Smith & Wessons at once from mirror image Berns-Martin breakfront holsters.  It turns out that those classic old revolvers were fraternal rather than identical twins: one is a Triple Lock .44 Special, and the other, a .38/44 Outdoorsman.  I had never noticed that the cartridge loops integral to the rig were in two calibers: a row of .38s for the Outdoorsman, and another of .44s for the Triple Lock.  This rig not only still exists, but appears on the striking cover of “Holstory.”

More insider info on this project can be found at the always-interesting Smith-Wesson Forum, here. The book can be ordered from here.  At the latter website, you can find an abundance of well-researched history on related matters, and also examples of Nichols’ own fine holsters that he makes today, some of which I’m proud to own.  Lavishly illustrated and published books are expensive. So are laboriously researched tomes on niche topics.  This book is both, which is why “Holstory” will cost you a C-note, but research sources in narrow areas of interest commonly cost that much or more, so I think it’s a good value.

I’m still trying to figure out whether to put my copy in my research library, or on my coffee table.

PS: I am reliably informed that if you order promptly, you should have gift copies of “Holstory” in time for Christmas.

10 COMMENTS

  1. For about two years in 80’s, I carried my issued S&W model 15 in a Don Hume Tom Threepersons holster. I liked it because it rode high and tight to my body. Preferred it to the issue Jordan style border patrol holster. I could get in/out of the patrol car without catching the grip on the steering wheel.

  2. Interesting artical. Did not know of the Temecula, CA location , 3 person, and the different caliber loops. Beautiful work.

  4. Sounds like a fine book to add to my library. For a detailed history of Old West holsters and belts (with lots of excellent color photos) check out “Packing Iron: Gunleather of the Frontier West” by Richard C, Rattenbury. c. 1993.

  6. Thank you, Mas, for a sterling recommendation. You are well followed, we received a number of orders. I’ll do my best to insure Christmas delivery but as of now can’t guarantee it. If not before, at least a day or so after, but I’ll strive for timely delivery.
    Regards,
    John Witty

  7. Interesting…. the sort of book I’d love to own. When I find a C Note that is otherwise not committed I shall have one.”
    For some time now, my old Belgian BHP has been riding in a very basic but wonderful Bianchi clip on leather holster that fits it perfectly. I was surprised, and pleased, when I came across that holster in the used bin at some gun store in the big city to the north of me. I think I paid twenty bucks for it, in near new condition. It does not look as “pretty” now as then, but I rarely “look” at it anyway so I do not care. I KNOW precisely where it is on my belt. It holds the pistol securely and comfortably yet yields it easily when needed… which, so far, is never, but it does come in and out fairly frequently. I tried a “modren” kydex rig for a while, but it did not suit me. Perhaps because the moulded body of it was not that well suited to the BHP. I like genuine well-made hide anyway. Smells better, even!

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