Well down within this blog is a post about the film stars and their gunleather. Since then my compilation has been updated substantially. Presented in date order, from Lash LaRue to a 21st century auction for Dale Robertson's. I was inspired to post again by an image sent by an FOH of the Gunsmoke character wearing a carved buscadero set that might or might not have been an Ojala; in which case it w/b rare regardless.
1930s above and below, with Hoppy and Lash LaRue. The best known versions of Hoppy's elaborate set were toy sets for junior cowpokes.
Above, the 1940s big stars with a big a leather maker -- but no big gunleather. All the images of Sam Myres in his buckskin coat are of 1947 during a publicity tour.
I have the original in black & white but couldn't resist colourizing a copy. Loved her set (the holsters, that is).
Likely both are by Clark vs. Lewis.
Bohlins above and below
Heisers below, in Shane! Above Heiser called a Mexican Loop style. Rodd Redwing's hand is the one doing the gunwork for Ladd in the film.
Bohlin set above, Ojala below which was 1956 after Gunsmoke! had run for a year.
Several of these Ojalas were made over the years for Gunsmoke; this is actually one of them.
Redwings above and below. Note the laced-on billets, which was one of Rodd's trademark looks; so that many actors could use the sets. The other feature was a pair of cartridge loops on the belt ahead of the holster, to cock the pistol's hammer a second time.
Below is actually marked on the belt's underside, as being for the film.
Below, 'himself'; notice the twin cartridge loops mentioned prior:
Ojalas above and below. Above is the version before Andy Anderson cleaned up the design for Arvo as shown below. Both actresses were famous blondes of that time.
Above and below, sold for U$30,000 by his widow! We corresponded briefly.
Ojala above.
The holster used in the films was a movie prop and not made by Berns-Martin (that today is my trademark). It does match Fleming's description of Bond's early holster for his Beretta .25 but not that of the later spring holster of Berns-Martin, originally specified for the then-new Centennial .38 by S&W . Bond was issued with it, lost it at Crab Key.
Above was a film prop, below was by Alfonsos's of Hollywood
Above for Mannix, below a Bucheimer-Clark according to the spring tip positionings. Clarks, Lewis, and Bucheimer-Clarks take an expert to determine which is which from front.
Redwing above (had images of the holster set once).
Lewis above and below.
Below by Bucheimer-Clark of Valencia CA, the first three 'Dirty Harry' films (only), replaced by a Bianchi in the fourth film to suit the Automag.
Above and below a set by Red Nichols for Bianchi. Now displayed at The Autry Museum.
Above, meant to be worn without the pretty girl. She's about to reach for it.
Bianchi by Red Nichols above, Safariland by Earl Clark below.
Bianchi by Red Nichols, above and below (the UM84 that predated the M12 holster). The actor at above left is the same who says, 'I gots to know', in the first film, 'Dirty Harry' itself.
Above. obscure scene but not an obscure film: the Bianchi 'Scorpio' by Red Nichols -- with a revolver in an M39 auto holster for "Terminator"
Above and below, by Red Nichols for Aker Leather.
How Presidential: below for Ronald Reagan by Arvo Ojala:
Above and below, by Red Nichols as Nichols Innovation for Assault Systems. I recognized it in the poster as mine while literally across a parking lot, walking towards the cinema where it was playing. Actually an ankle holster. In Australia the holster was omitted from the posters.
Above by Red Nichols for Aker Leather. Also used in 'Psych' and in 'Monk', Aker was on a roll with my designs early this century.
Below, Ojala for Sugarfoot (courtesy Bob Arganbright collection):
If you don't know who these people are/were, feel free to embarrass yourself by asking :-).
My personal favourite of all the film stars' gunleather: Jane Russell's, which I have surmised was made by Lawrence but am unlikely ever to know for sure. Who would I ask?!
To read more about it all in my book titled "Holstory -- Gunleather of the Twentieth Century
-- the Second Edition", click on the new link at top of page.
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