What is this holster worth?

[drm2m]

Although this holster perfectly fits the older Dragoon revolvers, it is possible that these were also used with the Percussion Revolvers which would not fit the Colt/Remington Holsters, such as the Starr double action revolver. The semi-circular stitching pattern and rivet, reinforced closing strap dates this holster circa 1863, which is approximately when these features were introduced. There are thought to be only a few thousand made and less in existence today. The holster shows an excellent maker mark of "E. Gaylord Chicopee Mass." and appears to be in near mint condition.

 

[drm2m]

Is it worth $1965?
I have a nice Starr D/A that might fit in it.
I have to give this some more thought.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

This is not an answer to your question, but the photo of you crisp holster and the Starr double action revolver posted by drm2m sparked this thought: At some time in the future, that holster will be dust even if taken good care of, but that Starr revolver would still as it is now so long as carred for over the years.

 

[Package4]

This is not an answer to your question, but the photo of you crisp holster and the Starr double action revolver posted by drm2m sparked this thought: At some time in the future, that holster will be dust even if taken good care of, but that Starr revolver would still as it is now so long as carred for over the years.

And for that very reason, the value of the holster will increase to a certain point, as it is extremely rare, in the current condition. What really is a shame is that though this is most likely a surplus holster, there was a piece in it, for an extended period of time. One wonders what the piece was and the condition of said piece!

 

[Ralph Heinz]

In the late 1970's or early 1980's noted collector Hayes Otoupalik of Missoula, MT found a small group of these holsters in unissued condition in a costume shop in Seattle and bought them along with original four button Federal sack coats. At that time these "Dragoon" holsters in this condition sold for $180 and I bought one of them from Hayes as I lived close by. Made so late in the war (1863) these holsters were almost certainly meant for the Starr Arms Model 1863 Revolver. Dragoons were a much heavier revolver and they will certainly fit in one of these holsters but their weight made them essentially obsolete when better revolvers that weighed less were readily available at least in the north. Incidentally, the holsters Hayes found were stuffed one inside another with the flaps laid flat. I think he got five of them and three or four 4 button tunics which were Bannerman surplus. Bannerman surplus was a source for costume shops. IIRC, Hayes sold one of the unissued four button sack coats for $3,000 at that time.

There are a couple of these holsters unsold on eBay for many months now advertised as Dragoon holsters. If you mention to a dealer that they were really meant for the M1863 Starr you'll hear a "shush" as anything "Dragoon" brings a lot more money than a Starr.

 

[drm2m]

Ralph,

Thanks for your comments.

 

[drm2m]

I received the holster a few days ago.
A bonus ----three of my CW revolvers fit in this holster.

 

[Package4]

I received the holster a few days ago.
A bonus ----three of my CW revolvers fit in this holster.

View attachment 379401

That is an incredible holster!

 

[Bonedaddy]

Beautiful holster in outstanding condition to be that old!! Thanks for showing it.