[Lionheart]

Any info out there on the H.H. Heiser, the Denver saddle/harness/holster maker?

[Old Fuff]

H.H. Heiser was one of the “big three” holster makers back in the pre-World War Two and early post-war period. The other two were S.D. Myers of El Paso, Tex. and The George Lawrence Co. of Portland OR. Quality was impeccable and designs were contemporary with the times. They are now collectables - especially the more fancy ones and those made for Colt Single Action revolvers.

A more detailed history of the company will be found in a book, "Packing Iron." I don't have more information on it at the moment, but try Amazon.com and other book sellers.

[Lionheart]

My Heiser came with a Colt Model 1903 Type I. It has a few scuff marks but is otherwise in excellent shape. I'm assuming it is at least as old as the gun (1907) and I was almost as happy getting hold of it as I was the Colt.
It isn't very fancy, though, not like some of the really finely tooled revolver holsters I've seen.
Thanks again.

[Old Fuff]

It may be "ordinary," but had to be a pretty good piece of leatherwork to have lasted. It could have been made anywhere from the early 1900's through the latter 1960's. If you can find a Stoeger catalog prior to, or just after World War Two you will find a fairly complete Heiser catalog.

[bobs1066]

Heiser also made knife sheaths for Bo Randall during the early days of Randall Made Knives. I'm sure somebody here on THR could tell you when the Randall/Heiser connection was going on.

[Lionheart]

The holster came with a Colt's Model M made in 1907, according to the serial number. Heiser's "422" design was apparently made for that model Colt. Though not fancy, it is, indeed, well-made: heavy leather; laced at the back end, rather than riveted, and in really nice condition.
I didn't mention, but the gun also came with 8 rounds of Peters .32 ACP, which is also kind of "collectable" in that it isn't made anymore.

[Old Fuff]

Sounds like you got a nice outfit. One thing though .... don't store the pistol in the holster, the leather can absorb water and rust the gun's finish.

Unlike some cheaper brands, Heiser used oil-taned leather. If it's dried out you should oil it again, using a quality leather oil-based finish.

[Lionheart]

The pistol was not in the holster in the dealer's case, but I don't know about beforehand.

I will NOT store the pistol in the holster, per your advice; and, yes, it does seem dry.

I have some stuff I used for my old baseball gloves, and then there's neatsfoot oil. Anything else you recommend?

[Old Fuff]

I have heard (but can't confirm) that neatsfoot oil will do bad things to linen thread. However I've used neatsfoot-based leather dressing without any noticeable problems, so who knows. For what it's worth, Elmer Keith recommended neatsfoot oil. That's good enough for me.

If you check at a leather shop they may have an oil-based *preservative* that would be even better.

[Lionheart]

This used to be the standard thing for baseball gloves.
The holster has no linen thread in it at all. It's laced with what I believe is known as "ribbon" lacing leather. It's about a quarter-inch wide.
I've done a bit of leatherwork using stuff from Tandy, so I'll see what else they have.

[Old Fuff]

It just dawned on me. That leather lacing was specially ordered. Those holsters were usually sewn. Generally you see the lacing on holsters that were either carved (and the job they did was a work of art) or basket weave stamped.

[Lionheart]

O.F.

I've seen one other just like it, same leather lacing. May just have been standard to that model.

[Old Fuff]

You’re right. I unexpectedly came on a copy of Herman H. Heiser Company’s No. 51 catalog, which dates from the late 1950 or early 60’s.

The company was founded in 1858 by the way, and at the time this catalog was issued was located at 1024 Cherokee Street, Denver 4, Colorado.

The No. 422E holster was made for automatics only, and did come with “thong wrap edges.” Plain finish cost $7.50 when a similar, but sewed-edge No. 423E sold for 5.00. A “quick change” feature that consisted of a snap on the strap that held the belt loop could be ordered for an additional .50 cents. The hand-carved equivalent of the No. 422E was the No. 722E, and that went for $11.50.

The company advertised that “all leather goods were custom hand made” and the “quality, workmanship and fit are absolutely guaranteed.”

Other then certain specialized models Heiser used, “only the very best Oak Tanned California russet, full-grain leather.” These holsters were treated “with (a) special prepared oil, which not only preserves the leather, giving a lifetime of usefulness, but also gives a dark reddish-brown color making them very attractive.” Pocket and shoulder holsters were not oiled.

As a sideline they also carried Western Cutlery “sportsmen’s knives”.

[Lionheart]

That's good stuff, O.F. Many thanks.

Just what I was looking for.

I want to keep a copy of some of the history of the company with the holster.

I think I'll hold off on applying neatsfoot or any other oil. The leather is in good shape, so maybe Heiser's "secret" oil really does "last a lifetime."

At any rate, I don't want to slosh something on there that's going to ruin it.

I'm just fascinated by this stuff.

(I used to live in Phoenix, BTW.)

[Old Fuff]

I don’t think they had any kind of “secret oil.” The George Lawrence Company in Portland used the same kind of leather and also oil-treated it.

Such as it was I believe the “secret” was using a vegetable-based oil rather then petroleum. They might have also put a little colored dye in the oil to get that “reddish” look.

As a rule-of-thumb, makers in the northwest where it is more on the wet side went in for oil-treated leather while those in the much dryer southwest preferred a natural finish. I treat “natural finish” holsters with wax, but usually use oil on leather that was originally oiled. But it’s been so long I forget exactly what product I used. I’d do a search on “oak tanned leather” and “leather preservatives” and see what you found out.