Brothers Gilbert H. and John S. Collins first set up their saddle and leather goods making and wholesaling business in Omaha, Nebraska in 1864, but quickly discovered that many of their goods were more popular further west. From 1872 to 1876, John served as the post trader at Fort Laramie, expanding their business to Cheyenne in the Wyoming Territory. This example, bearing the early Omaha, Nebraska address was likely manufactured right around the time of the release of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver in 1873 and is oriented for a left handed shooter. It is made of brown saddle skirt leather in the "Mexican Loop" style with a lightly tooled floral border and the maker's mark/address stamped on the front. Included is a matching brown leather belt marked "J-S" buckle strap. The maker's mark with the Omaha address and "45" are marked on the strap opposite the buckle. The belt has a single row of cartridge loops that appear to accommodate .45 Long Colt cartridges. The buckle itself is nickeled and has clipped corners. This specific holster appears to be the example pictured on p. 99 of "Packing Iron: Gunleather of the Frontier West". It is pictured with a different gun belt in that book, but the handling marks and wear on the holster are consistent with that seen on this specific example. Also included is a copy of the book "My Experiences in the West" by J.S. Collins and a copy of a Collins & Co. invoice. Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Fine overall with some scattered mild wear and handling marks, some scattered light age cracking, and almost all of the stitching remaining tight. The buckle retains most of the nickel finish. The "G.H." in the maker's mark on the holster is worn but visible. A very rare and desirable, early, G.H. & J.S. Collins holster rig that would be welcome in any frontier or Single Action Army collection!