Brass Derringer Holster

Here are a few pics of my homemade 31 caliber smoothbore Derringer Kit Gun Holster. It was made from scratch using a manilla envelope, some scrap leather, water, scissors, an eye screw, scratch awl, leather shoe lace, artificial sinew plus large needle, and 2 coats of olive oil.

On My Belt

Manilla Folder Pattern

Tools Used

Nice work. :hatsoff:

Thanks! :grin:

In some movies, I usually see these little guns stuffed in a gambler's vest pocket or on some kind of hidden sleeve gizmo.

I figured, what if they have to ride a horse or run with this on their person?

So I decided to make a holster for it.

Looks pretty good.
Would look even better if you saddle stitched it with some waxed linen thread instead of that artificial sinew. Punch the holes a lot closer together too. An overstitch wheel is very useful for marking out where the holes need to be punched evenly spaced.
I have to ask, what did you use the eye screw for?

Thanks.

I am new to leatherwork.

I used the eye screw to start the holes, then followed with the scratch awl to enlarge them enough for my needle.

I think I used some pre-stretched cord, but I am not really too sure, anyway it is rated at 35#.

I do have some shoemakers linen cord that is currently connected to a pair of mukluks I was repairing for my mother.

You are right about the distance between the holes, more of them would certainly make it stronger, but it is still holding very secure with it being one continous strand passed through 3 to four times and finished at the inside center seam.

I also want to make a belt sheath for my trailhawk, not a really period correct item, but I bought it because it seemed practical, but after seeing some nicer hawks elsewhere I would really like maybe get another type of hawk with some of the same features.

Good job on that holster, it looks nice. Those kind of projects are fun.

Great job! I prefer it with the sinew stitching you used as it has that "primitive look". And now, how about some pictures of the gun itself? It looks like a really interesting piece!

Interesting.
Finished with olive oil, it can double as emergency trail food. :wink:

I am new to leatherwork.

Click to expand...

Well, keep at it. You're doing well. You'll be turning out some really nice stuff soon. :thumbsup:

The reason I recommend smaller spacing between the holes is more for looks than strength. I'm sure that holster will hold up well. But imagine it with the stitch line looking like the one on your belt.
Definitely learn the saddle stitch. Rather than going thru the same hole 3 times, you use 2 needles, one on either end of the same thread, and stitch them opposite of one another thru each hole. Makes a very tight, strong stitch that won't separate if one thread breaks.