Original Early 20th Century U.S. Tooled Leather No. 711 Double Loop Open Top Holster by H.H. Heiser Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely early 20th century tooled leather holster, made by the renowned H.H. Heiser Saddlery Company of Denver, Colorado. Born June 29, 1836 in Germany, Hermann Hugo Heiser realized there were few opportunities in his home country, and like many others emigrated to the United States in 1854, first arriving in New York as one of many immigrants looking for new opportunities. He moved on to Wisconsin, where he learned English and worked on his skills as a saddler. He quickly became known as an excellent saddler, however health issues led his doctor to suggest he move to a higher elevation.

Heiser arrived in the “Mile High City” of Denver, Colorado at the end of 1863, opening a shop with another saddler and quickly becoming a sought out producer of saddles and other leather goods. In 1874 he bought his own saddlery, and the “The Hermann H. Heiser Saddlery Company” was born, right as Colorado was starting to come into its own. As the state grew, so did the company, and by the early 20th century, H.H. Heiser was known around the world. The company continued after Hermann’s death in 1904, and his sons continued to grow the business, making it one of the largest in the west by 1917. For more detailed information please see this website on the company: Hermann H. Heiser.

This holster comes from about that time period, as indicated by the style of logo and address marking on the holster, located on the bottom of the rear flap:

H.H. HEISER
MAKER
DENVER, COLO.

Above this is stamped the style No. 711, which we believe is more about the decoration on the tooled leather than on the size revolver the holster fits. We tested this on a Colt “Thunderer” .41cal revolver with a 3 1/2″ barrel, and the fit was just about perfect, though it may work with a slightly longer 4 inch barrel. The holster itself measures 7 1/4 from the bottom of the barrel compartment to the lip, and 3 3/4″ wide at the top. The rear of the holster is marked with some writing including 711 / 4″ above some other markings.

Condition of the holster is very good, and the leather has matured to a lovely dark russet brown color. All stitching is intact, and the embossed tooled leather floral designs are still crisp and lovely. If you were looking for a great period holster for your 3 1/2 or 4 inch barrel Colt M1877 Double action, this might be it!