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As Mr. Burton can probably attest to by now, I am fast becoming a regular Summer Special-type holster collector. Now, I think it's official.

I just acquired this one from a recent ad on Glock Talk (which, IMO, is a pretty decent place to shop for used custom leather; OTOH, I admit it does require great patience and perseverance).

The holster was advertised to fit a BHP, but actually fits a Colt Commander. The belt loop was said to be 1.5" but is really 1.75"...AND I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER!!!

Most unusual (to me) is the sewn (not snapped), wide single belt loop. I have never seen a Sparks SS of any vintage with sewn belt loop(s), nor have I seen one made with a single wide loop.

The black-dyed trim is also pretty cool, I think. I've never seen that either on any Idaho City-vintage Sparks holster (although I can see how that feature might have been more common than my perception indicates).

Anyway, here's a quick indoor pic...

Enjoy,
ArtCrafter

PS: This one is stamped Idaho City (not Boise)



PPS: Perhaps someday I will reveal the contents (...of the holster in the pic...lol)

A very nice looking holster there.

ArtCrafter...that's a very nice find there, don't you just love it when a "mistake" works out better than you could have wished for! FWIW, one of my first training officers had a Summer Special with sewn loop(s) on it too, this was around 1989 or 90, I want to say it had a dual loop sewn on. I remember him cursing it several times since he had to undo his belt to take it off. I asked him why he didn't just get something "better", and he replied that he just couldn't find anything (at that time) that concealed as well! I liked the job that it did so well, I got the maker's name from him and had one made for myself for my Commander, but by that time the single snap loop was the standard. Very nice holsters indeed!--John

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"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee

It seems to me somebody currently makes a holster like this, but I can't remember who. Anyone know?

Alessi, Del Fatti, 5shots (Ralston) come to mind.

Yeah, this one's a keeper.

One thing not evident in the picture is the fact that the belt loop on this holster allows room for the pants (jeans).

In contrast, IWB holsters that do not allow room for the pants between the holster body and the top of the belt loop(s) at each of the attachment point(s) are commonplace. Why this problem persists and is seen in otherwise excellent IWB holsters is a mystery to me.

In any case, I am triply pleased this holster doesn't have that problem.

-AC

MERRY CHRISTMAS AC!!! looks like Santy Claus came a little early this year!--John

_________________
"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee

Hey JR,

What can I say except Santy's the MAN ?!?

Happy Holidays!

Stout Heart & Good Cheer,
ArtCrafter