Geo. Lawrence holster model 79, type 576

[aragorn5182]

I found a beautiful George Lawrence leather western holster and belt set among my father's things. I've researched the web extensively trying to find out what gun(s) fit this holster, to no avail.

Holster is labeled 79 and 576. Belt is labeled 79 and 38, size L. I've gathered from what I did find that 79 is the model # and 38 is the caliber of the cartridge loops.

Couldn't find info. re: the 576 code to determine what guns will fit this holster and approximately when it was made.

Does any one have an old GL catalogue that shows this code? Would appreciate any help w/this.

Did post photos in Photobucket if anyone cares to see it.

Thanks!

 

[Maia007]

My GL code index indicates that GL 576 is for.....

Ruger...357....4 5/8" barrel...in another section of the same catalog it shows 4 3/4" barrel.

 

[aragorn5182]

Geo. Lawrence 576 / for Ruger 357 . . .

Thanks so much for your response, which brings up what may be a dumb question - please bear with me, I'm a rookie. I understood that the 38 code on the belt means that the cartridge loops are for .38 cal. Is this is correct and if so, would these loops work for a 357?

Also, does the GL source you have indicate when the holster was made?

 

[Maia007]

If the loops are open or "bottomless", and they probably are, then they will fit the .357, using the rim of the case to snag the cartridge and keep it from falling all the way thru the loop. The .357 and the .38 sp. are of the same case diameter but the .357 has a longer case than the .38.

I don't know how to determine the date of manufacture of any of the Lawrence holsters, although some collectors can give you rough "periods" of manufacture by looking at such things as differences in the stamped logo and so forth.

Rugers havent been around that long (their first revolver was developed in the early 1950's). Lawrence was started in the 1850's. I remember them going out of business sometime in the 1980's. Their building is still standing in downtown Portland.

By extrapolation, your holster was probably made in the 60's or 70's.

 

[aragorn5182]

Geo. Lawrence 576 / for Ruger 357 + photos

Thanks so much for your input - you've been most helpful. The loops are open, so the cartridge length wouldn't be an issue.

VintageGunLeather.com lists the logo on my holster as a "Saddle mark, 1940's to 1980's". Is is safe to assume that the holster would fall into the same date range?

Has anyone found any other sources of GL logos? Have attached photos of the holster and belt logos for ref.

Thanks!

 

[Maia007]

Send me a PM.

 

[rcmodel]

1940's to 1980's". Is is safe to assume that the holster would fall into the same date range?

Not if it truly is for a Ruger Blackhawk.
Which it is.

They didn't start making Ruger Blackhawks until 1955.

And that drop-loop holster & belt fast draw design didn't come about until the TV western & fast draw craze of the 1950's & 60's started.

Were I to guess, I'd date it 1960 something.

BTW: The 1967 Shooter's Bible shows your #79 "Gunslinger II" rig sold new for a MSRP of $30.55.
The .357 Ruger Blackhawk for $87.50.

rc