The
Last Best West Presents. . .
Custom
Gun Leather.
NOTE:
NO FIREARMS OR CARTRIDGES ARE INCLUDED WITH OUR CUSTOM LEATHER PRODUCTS
- THEY ARE ONLY FOR ILLUSTRATION.
Custom
Cowboy Leather - and this is just a sample of what we can
make for you.
Back
in the 1880s cowboys earned a dollar a day if they were
good, and the luxury of a gun belt and holster or some
other fine leather work might often be determined by their
own abilities as a leather worker. Most every ranch or
outfit had at least one person skilled with working leather
- after all rein's, bridles, and the such all needed maintaining,
repairing and replacing, and a cowboy that was skilled
with leather just added to his value as a ranch hand.
People were much more self-sufficient then, and you couldn't
always ride to town and get what you wanted or needed.
So you made it - or paid a neighbor who was skilled to
do it. Or you bartered your services for his. Click
here for Custom Chaps.
Our
gun leather is made from top of the line 9 - 10 ounce
leather and made to last for generations. Our holsters
and belts are based on pictures from museums, archival
photos and mail order catalogues from the late 1800s and
early decades of the 20th century.
Our
Leather Master has been working with leather, hide and
fur since 1978, and for almost 20 years owned and operated
his own saddlery store in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
His workmanship, talent and expertise is our greatest
asset. For truly authentic, top-notch cowboy and gun leather
you've come to the right place! Testimonials
Please
bear in mind that the answer to almost all questions that
start with, "Can you. . . ." is yes. These
are custom pieces, not made on an assembly line, and we
will take your requests and build you what you want.
Questions?
E-mail us at
"A
cowboy is a well-armed man with guts and a horse."
Custom
Gun Leather ::
Expect
3-5 weeks for delivery in North America.
Top-quality gun belts and holsters, authentic to the 19th
century. Prices are based on what you see here. Available
with or without hammer or leg tie downs. We suggest 3 lengths
of holsters: 4 1/2; 5 1/2 and 7 1/2. This allows customers
holsters that will fit several of their side arms - because
from our experience most people who own one pistol, tend
to own several. OR if you prefer a specific length
of holster we'll be happy to make that for you. Price includes
one line of edge stamping on the holster or gun belt, and
18 cartridge loops on the belt. Unless
other wise stated all holsters are an open toed design.
PLEASE NOTE: Our logo is only on the images not on the leather.
All sizes are in INCHES. We will contact you within one
business day of your purchase(s) being made - to see if
you have any special requests, and confirm the details and
make, model, and barrel length of your firearm. Please
Note: We try to take our pictures with Natural Light,
making some colors appear a little different, because of
the difference in sunny, or cloudy day, or if the picture
is taken inside or outside. As well each computer monitor
will diplay colors slightly different. Color differences
caused by individual computer monitors is beyond our control.
Orders
call toll free 1-866-207-1909.Or
contact us here. ::
Click images for larger pictures - then expand.
The
Masterson - Custom Cross Draw Holster
Conceal and Carry Rig - Simple, elegant,
and functional.
Canadian
Bat Masterson was one of the most feared and respected
"Shooters" of the Old West. He employed
a cross-draw pull, and his skill with a hand gun was
such that everyone kept theirs holstered with Masterson
around. Inspired by Bat's simple - yet elegant rig.
Belt is 1 3/4" - to accommodate belt loops on
today's britches. We made sure it fits Levi's jeans,
and when worn with a sport coat or longer coat, is
the perfect holster for people with the conceal &
carry permit.
Shown
in black cow hide, with heavy, plain black belt. Click
image above to see 2 fancy buckle set choices. Star
and Barbwire or nickel filigree. Better set adds $40.00
you can add one during the checkout process. Side
arm is very secure when pushed down in the holster
and comes with a hammer tie-down. Save 20 bucks
when you buy the complete rig. Click
for examples of our leather colors.
3 1/2"
Schofield reproduction with Custom Masterson Rig
White
handled pistol shown above is a reproduction of a pistol ordered
by Masterson from Dodge City, on Longbranch Saloon stationary
in the 1890s. The Longbranch was owned by his good friend,
and one time Marshal Luke Short.
Bat's order was for a 45 Cal. 1873 Colt Peacemaker; 4"
barrel, nickel plated, with ivory grips. This design was also
carried by George S. Patton throughout his impressive military
career - with a couple of changes. Patton ordered a matched
pair and his Colt's were silver plated, with 4 3/4" barrel,
and the ivory grips had his monogram on the butt.
Winter
2008 - Guns of the Old West Magazine: Above right - featured
our Masterson rig. Our thanks to Denis Prisbrey for including
us in his article - we're still blushing from the kind words!
Shown
at left in our signature leather color: Deadwood Brown.
Available only at The Last Best West.
Holster
at left is a 7 1/2" length, closed toe design. Low
cut neck shows most of the cylinder and allows for holster
cocking, and very quick draws. The 2 1/2" billeted
gun belt comes with 16 cartridge loops for the calibre of
your firearm. Holster is available in 4 1/2; 5 1/2 and 7
1/2" lengths. Other lengths available. Save 20 bucks
when you buy the entire rig.
Holster:
$166.00 | Shipping: $15.00
TOTAL: $181.00 :: Order
Now | Check-Out
Gunbelt's
shown are in our signature color: Deadwood Brown - available
only at The Last Best West. Click
for examples of our colors: Black; Saddle Tan, Antique, and
Deadwood Brown. Better quality antique brown/black leather
buckle adds 25 dollars to price. Add a fancy buckle set for
40 dollars. Choices are Star and Barbwire OR nickel filigree.
Gun belts are 2 1/2" in width and ship with a standard
garrison buckle. Click
to see buckle choices. Comes with no cartridge loops (common
in the day) or 18 loops. For an extra 20 dollars we will cover
the entire length with your size of cartridge loops. Curly
Bill Brosius style from Tombstone! Number of loops
depends on belt length, and the tapered Gunbelt holds more
than the Billeted style. Make your choices during the checkout
process. Questions e-mail to:
Gunbelt's; Billeted or Tapered. $180.00|Shipping:
$15.00 Total:$ $195.00 :: Order
Now | Check-Out
Wyatt
Earp always maintained, "Fast is fine, but accuracy
is final."
Expect
3-5 weeks for delivery in North America :: Special requests
can be e-mailed to Sonja at:
3
Inch Cartridge/Gun Belt A
cartridge belt with your choice of loop size is a handy
addition to any SASS shooter's or hunter's equipment. A
cartridge belt was an important part of Everett Hitch's
wardrobe, allowing him to carry reloads for his 8 gauge
shotgun. In addition he wore a gunbelt to carry his sidearm.
Tom
Selleck wore a cartridge belt as Matthew Quigley, in
Quigley Down Under. In it he carried reloads for his
long range Sharps. The rifle itself shot a 45/90 cartridge
but they wanted a more imposing look so the cartridge belt
was loaded with 45/125 size cartridges.
Our
standard cartridge belt as shown below has 30 loops to hold
any size cartridge you want. Shown below with 10 shotgun shell
loops, sandwiched between two sets of 10 45 calibre cartridge
loops. The belt on the left has 45/70 shells filling it's
length, just like Quigley's. Shown in our signature leather
color: Deadwood Brown. All order details are confirmed
within one business day of your order being placed.
We
will configure the loops and size any way you want. Add an extra
20 dollars to cover the length of the belt with cartridge loops.
Can easily be worn as a gun belt. 3"
Cartridge Belt: $220.00 :: Shipping: $15.00 :: TOTAL: $235.00
:: Order
Now | Check-Out
In
person the cowboys were mostly medium-sized men... quick and wiry,
and as a rule very good-natured; in fact, it did not pay to be anything
else. In character, their like never was or will be again. -
Teddy Blue Abbott; 1882
Put
on a pair of britches/clothes you plan to wear with your gunbelt.
Have
handy any belt that currently fits you.
Put
the belt on and buckle it where you will wear your gunbelt. Slightly
down over your hips in most cases. Remember the gun belt will
be supporting another 4 pounds per pistol and holster {about 3
lbs for the pistol; 1 lb for the holster} That weight will drag
the belt down. You may want to go another notch tighter in your
measuring.
Make
note of the most comfortable hole in which the buckle goes through.
Lay
the belt on a flat surface and measure from the end of the buckle
to the most comfortable hole. See picture below.
This
is now your gun-belt measurement. If you get a fraction of an
inch round UP.
The
distance from the buckle end to the centre hole of your gunbelt
will be the measurement you supplied us with.
In the 1880s more than 50 % of North America lived on farms and
ranches. It was therefore a necessity to be a jack-of-all-trades,
and to be successful all the small towns that supported the farms
and ranches of each area needed three important businesses. A Blacksmith,
a Saddle Maker and a General Merchandise Store were important to
the survival and prosperity of each town. Being skilled workers
with leather, most saddle makers were commissioned to make gun leather,
and a cottage industry thrived in the 19th and early decades of
the 20th century. Thanks to the Internet those days have returned.
Why bother with cheap inferior mass produced gun leather, when for
a few extra bucks you can have quality custom leather work made
to order and to last.
The
Charley
Costner's rig from Open Range
The
Charley is patterned after a traditional 2 loop
holster from the 1880s. This holster is a closed
toe design. It is also the same look worn by Kevin
Costner's character, Charley, in that excellent
western film, Open Range.
Shown
in our custom antique brown color it's the closest
to what Costner wears in the movie we could get.
Low
cut neck allows quick access to the hammer for
ready action. Add a classic
gun belt (below) to finish the look. Holster
is available in 4 1/2; 5 1/2 and 7 1/2" lengths.
Other lengths available.
Holster:
$166.00 | Shipping: $15.00 :: TOTAL: $181.00 ::
Order Now | Check-Out
Holster
plus matching Gun belt below: $326.00 Shipping: $25.00 TOTAL:
$351.00 Order
Now | Check-Out
WHAT
CLIENTS SAY
Captain
Mac from Texas, ordered a number of our custom leather pieces
and this is what he had to say; "Howdy Pards, (May 28
2008) I got my shipment of leathers in today and I must say
I am tickled to death! They turned out better than expected!
I can't wait until my brown boots come in and my Ranger outfit
will be complete. Thanks again for the book, badges and pictures.
I got my Sharp's rifle in and it's a peach! It'll look so wicked
with the sheath. Keep up the good work!" And once he
got his sheath, and other buckskin items, "I got my
buckskin order today. I am as happy as a boar rolling around
in mud! My wife fell in love with the rifle sheath and my chaps.
Excellent work."Questions
can be e-mailed to Sonja at:
"Any
man that believes we're all created equal ain't never been
passed walking on a dusty road, by a man astride a fine
piece of horse flesh. No sir, any man on horseback is one
foot up on the next feller." Teddy Blue; Cowboy,
1882.
Click
images for larger pictures - then expand.
Traditional
Slim Jim Holster
Patterned after the traditional California Slim Jim shown
in the leather makers Bible, Packing Iron. Nothing
fancy - the look is, sleek, elegant, and versatile. These
holsters adapt well for any of the three draws you may want
to use. Cross-Draw, Strong-hand draw, or the twist or Hickok
draw.
Shown
top left with a Colt Peacemaker 45 cal. 4 3/4" barrel.
Holster is shown in Antique Brown color when your firearm
is pushed deep into the holster, pistol is very well seated
and secure; so you can break that bronc with confidence -
still rigged up.
Shown
second from left our 7 1/2" Slim Jim design nicely shows
off the unique shape of the 7" barrel Schofield 1875
Cavalry. Other colors available are Deadwood Brown, Black,
Antique Brown. Shown in Saddle Tan.
Holster:
$166.00 | Shipping: $15.00
Total:$ $181.00 :: Order
Now :: Check-Out
Order
one holster and the matchingGun belt
below for $326.00
Shipping is $25.00 TOTAL: $351.00 :: Order
Now | Check-Out
The
Slim Jim Holster Is what Wild Bill would have used with his Navy 36s',
when he wasn't tucking them in his sash. Can be seen on the
mounted, traditional working cowboy below. Shown at left in
black with a 7 1/2" barrel Colt. Holster is a left draw
and can be worn on the left hip, on the right for a cross
draw or on the right for a right handed "Twist"
or "Cavalry" or "Hickok" draw. Some say
the twist draw was the most common draw of the 19th century.
When
the pistol is pushed deep into the holster, the firearm is
very secure and ready to handle the rigors of the trail. Shown
bottom left in Deadwood Brown.
Gunfighter
Fact
Likely the most famous pistol fighter of the
old west, James Butler
Hickok employed the twist draw and was deadly with it. An
excellent demonstration of this draw is given by Keith Carradine
in the first episode, first season, of the HBO series Deadwood
(may it rest in peace). And as far as the term "Gunfighter"
goes, this was a term from the 20th century, and may very well
been coined first in films. In the old west a man who earned
his living because of his skill as a pistol fighter was called
a "Shootist".
Below
are examples of different colors and the quality of our workmanship.
Click pictures for larger images.
2
Gun Teddy Blue Rig in Deadwood Brown. These holsters
are strong hand draw but can be ordered in a cross-draw
style.
Black Open Range Rig.
With matching tapered gunbelt.
A Masterson Cross draw holster and matching billeted
gunbelt, in Deadwood Brown.
Don't
see the holster or belt style you're looking for? If you have
a picture - in most cases we can make it.
Old West Shoulder Holster
Adapted
from a Texas pattern shoulder holster circa 1890. We
have eliminated the chest strap and have secured the
holster by using a strap and buckle that goes over the
opposite arm. To secure the holster up and down we have
a strap and buckle that loops over your pants belt.
We 've left lots of length to the straps so you can
adjust it to fit comfortably.
Certainly
wouldn't want to be left without a few reloads so we've
added 6 loops of your favourite calibre to the shoulder
harness. This is a perfect old west shoulder holster
for those folks with a conceal and carry permit.
Shown
in our signature color: Deadwood Brown with a .45 cal
Birds head, and a white handled .45 cal Peacemaker in
the holster. We custom make to fit the make and model
and calibre of your sidearm. All production details
are confirmed within one business day of your order
being placed.
SHOLDER
HOLSTER: $225.00 :: Shipping: $20.00 :: TOTAL:
$245.00 :: Order
Now | Check-Out
What
Clients say:
On Mon, February 23, 2009 4:24 pm, Dr.Stephen C. wrote:
"Received today a short time after your first
email. I like it very much, I have "tweaked it"
and trimmed the excess and it fits very well. . .I will
wear this most days when out and about! Thanks, will
be ordering the next rig in the near future!"
Stephen :: Other
Testimonials
M1911
Western
Open
toed design gives it a western flavor, and the
design allows for quick, "locked and loaded"
draws. Gunbelt shown is 2 1/2" wide; has
a scallop edging and 2 Morgan Silver Dollar concho's.
No Cartridge Loops. Get yours anyway you want.
The
1911 was designed by John Browning, for Sam Colt's
company and was featured in that classic, violent,
western; The Wild Bunch.
William
Holden is Pike, in The Wild Bunch.
Director Sam Peckinpah's ultra-violent western
set in 1913. {1969}
Clip
Pouch/Slide
Pack an extra 2 clips easily with this handsome
clip pouch. When used with a cartridge belt you
can reload your clips right from your belt. A
must for anyone with a firearm that takes a clip.
Price: $37.50 :: Shipping :: $10.00
Colt
M1911
The Colt M1911 semi-automatic was revolutionary in it's design,
and within a few years of it's inception in 1911 it was the
side-arm of choice for all branches of the US Military right
up till about 1985. Even today several police forces, Special
Forces units, Navy Seals, and Marine Commando units have the
Colt 1911 as their side-arm of choice. Click
images for larger pictures - then expand.
Custom
Rifle Sheath
Indian
Style
-
This
soft rifle scabbard is made from garment quality hide.
Colors are light-brown, mid-brown, and black. We use
the best hides available at the time, so color choices
may be limited. Sheath has a long "waterfall"
fringe, and a fold over weather flap with a bone button
for closure against the elements. Decorated with beads
and studs. We will e-mail you within 24 hours to confirm
order details. This Indian style rifle sheath in black
was made for a Winchester 1866 Sporting Rifle - or Yellow
Boy. And the mid-brown sheath was made for a 50Cal Sharps.
"I
felt only as a man can feel who is roaming over the
prairies of the far West, well armed, and mounted on
a fleet and gallant steed." - Buffalo Bill
Cody, 1883.
What
Clients say, "Mr. Longfellow, I received my (custom
rifle) sheath last week and was very impressed with it, job
well done!" Thanks, R. Fuller, Colorado.
All
prices are in USD - convert to most currencies on our secure
order page.
Buckskin
Fact
Buckskin clothing and covers virtually always had a fringe
attached. Why is that? Most folks think it was for show -
but like most things cowboys used - the fringe on a buckskin
jacket, shirt, knife, or rifle sheath had a function - it
channeled water off the garment - keeping it dryer - and after
it was wet, allowing it to dry faster.
Basic
Leather and Buckskin Care
When
wet - allow the leather to dry naturally at room temperature.
If stained use a mild mix of dish soap and water and clean
carefully with a clean cloth. Commercial cleansers and chemicals
should NOT be used, or they may cause discoloring. In the
first year the natural oils in the hide should keep it fairly
weather repellent. After that we recommend using a spray
protector like Tandy, or Mink Oil, which is an excellent protector
for leather (NOT buckskin: it will cause matting if used)
mink oil will condition the leather and waterproof it to a
certain extent.
Disclaimer!
Supplied as information only - your own common sense should
always be followed.
Special
requests and questions can be e-mailed to Sonja at:
Leather
is an important material to cowboys.
It wears hard, is like a second skin, and early
cowboys soon learned how to work leather to make hardy
leather garments to do their jobs better; protect their
clothes, and make their lives easier. The leather we
use for our custom chaps and leather accessories is
top quality, and will stand the test of time.
Quality custom made items from The Last Best West are
made to last for generations and our chaps are no exception.
Researched by Longfellow,
and designed from archival photo's these chaps will
give you the wear, look, and protection you need. Click
for our custom chap page.
Custom
Cowboy Hats
from The Last Best West
In today's world of depleting Ozone and the rise
of melanoma and skin cancer - everyone needs a
good hat to shield their face and neck from the
harmful effects of the sun. What could be more
timeless and useful than a fine fur-felt Cowboy
Hat? It will keep your face and neck in constant
shade - regardless of the position of the sun,
and your eyes and lips will say thankee-thankee.
It'll be your friend for life and will age just
as gracefully as you!
We'll
give you what you want.
Made
to your Specifications. If you don't see what
you want - send us a picture - and we'll make
our version of that hat.
Longfellow
researched the designs based on historical photos
and original mail order catalogues from the late
1800's and the early decades of the 20th Century.
Of particular help was the Smithsonian Website,
the Library, and the archives of the Glenbow Museum
in Calgary. And of course those great Hollywood
Westerns. Click for
our Cowboy Hat Home Page.
The
cowboy is a patriot :: Speak your mind - but ride a fast horse!
This
custom holster is for a reproduction of an 1875 .45cal
Smith and Wesson Schofield.
The
Schofield
Is significant in the history of firearms because it
was the first top-break loading pistol, and because
of the design significantly reduced reloading time.
It was also very accurate and was one of the premier
target shooting pistols of the 19th century.
First
envisioned by Major George W. Schofield of the U.S.
Cavalry, it was produced by Smith and Wesson in a limited
run of only three years beginning in 1875. The pistol
saw hard use by the 4th US cavalry in their battles
with the Apache's, and was also used by the Buffalo
Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry.
A
favourite of many law men and the outlaws they chased,
the Schofield has a distinct advantage in the quickness
of the re-load over the Colt Peacemaker.
It
was packed by Frank and Jesse James, Bob and Cole Younger,
Wes Hardin, Buffalo Bill Cody, Teddy Roosevelt, famed
Marshal's Pat Garrett, Bill Tilghman, Virgil and Wyatt
Earp. In fact it's reputed to be a Schofield that Wyatt
carried into the Gunfight at the O. K. Corral.
Some
60,000 .44cal "Russian" models of the Schofield
were sold over seas to Czarist Russia, and the Turkish
and Japanese governments. The Russian model added a
lanyard ring in the handle butt, and a re curved addition
to the trigger guard.
In
it's day the Russian was considered one of the most
beautiful pistols made, and almost 7 times more Russian's
were sold then the original 9,000 Schofield's.
The
Schofield Pistol at the Movies
Used
to be the only significant show of this firearm was
in Clint Eastwood's oscar winning film, "Unforgiven".
The Schofield Kid is one of the key characters and
it's his trademark Schofield the Kid uses to kill
the Cowboy in the outhouse. After getting paid for
the killings; it's the Schofield that Eastwood "borrows"
from the Kid to head to town and kill Little Bill
(Gene Hackman) with, "For what you did to
Ned. . ."
In
2007 a revival of the Schofield has been seen at the
movies, in both "The 3:10 to Yuma",
and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the
Coward Robert Ford", the pistol figures prominently
in both movies. In Yuma, a pair of Schofield's
is used ruthlessly by Ben Wade's (Russell Crowe),
lieutenant, the crazed Charlie Prince, played chillingly
by actor Ben Foster. This is an excellent movie, not
just a western, and well worth the viewing. I never
figgered that the Schofield was a fast draw pistol,
but after seeing it whipped around in Yuma
I may change my mind. . .nah. . . .it's just a movie
- I'd still want a Colt for a quick pull, but for
combat the Schofield seems to be the better choice.
Easy to see why a pistol fighter would want one of
each.
In
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward
RobertFord, Jesse (Brad Pitt) can be seen
packing a Schofield most everywhere he goes, and Frank
(Sam Shepherd) also carries a Schofield for the all
of 5 minutes he's on the screen.
It's
also a nickel plated Schofield that Jesse gifts Bob
Ford (Casey Afflick) with, and then is used to kill
Jesse with. This is historically accurate to what
we know of the life and death of Jesse James. More
about Jesse James death
Ben
Foster is perfect as the ultra violent Charley Prince,
in the excellent western, The 3:10 to Yuma.
{2007} Click
for Charley's Hat.
Our
Knives are premier quality, made from high carbon
steel and are built to last for generations. We can
custom make to anyone's taste or requirements. E-mail
your questions to:
Pictured
at left is one of our custom frontier knives, a stunning
7" Skinner, with beautifully burnished hilt.
PLEASE
NOTE: Our logo is only on the images not on the leather. All sizes
are in INCHES.
Executive
Saddle Bags
Load
these oversized saddle bags with all your business gear;
throw them over your shoulder and walk a city block or two.
You'll never go back to carrying a briefcase. The heavy
leather bags can easily hold most anything, including your
lap top, legal size folders, binders, note books, and cables.
Inside you will find sleeves to hold your wallet, pens,
or even a memory stick. We've even put a cell phone sleeve
on the outside neck, and a heavy duty handle for easy carrying.
Cowboy
Action Shooters will
find these oversized saddle bags just the thing to carry
all your cowboy action tools. You can easily store a gunbelt;
two holsters; spurs, wild rags and ammo. And that's just
in one side. On the other side you can carry a two pistol
case and more ammo, and in most cases when the flaps are
locked the bags are legal for firearm transport. Further
customization of the bags is possible, and is only limited
by your imagination.
"Cowboy
Diplomacy is the ability to tell another feller to go to hell in
such a way that he looks forward to the trip." Will Rogers
Dodge
City Peace Commission photo of 1876
Seated Left to right: Charley Bassett, Wyatt
Earp, Frank McLain, Neal Brown.
Back Row from Left: Longfellow
(recruited in 2007!), Luke Short, Bat Masterson, and W.
F. Petillon.
Want your picture blended in an archival old west photo?
Have a look at our custom
wanted poster page - here.
/180_city_country_344.jpg)
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