Leathercraft has always been one of my interests. I built my first gun leather for a Colt SAA around 1954-55. I was inspired to make that holster by a Dee Woolem fast draw exhibition. In the 50s every boy was a cowboy. We minded Gene and Roy. That first piece of gun leather was a Tandy kit: a cool copy of the Andy Anderson walk and draw rig.
A decade later I started my 30 years in law enforcement. My knowledge of leathercraft served me well. Even my K9 partner had custom leather gear.
Above: 1911 holster built from vegetable tanned cowhide. Natural russet in color, it is my copy of the Late Bruce Nelson's #1 Professional with steel reinforced mouthband. This holster rides high and tight. Most of the time I wear this holster behind the strong side hip. Bruce Nelson generally worn his holster in cross-draw. It works either way as the butt of the pistol stays tucked-in tight against the torso. This holster design is very comfortable and practical for full size pistols like the Colt 1911 pictured here.
