El Paso Texas Marked Rig
for a Colt SAA 5-1/2″ Barrel
circa 1898-1899
A great piece of antique gun leather is our El Paso Texas Marked Rig. An early vintage, Texas marked rig “El Paso Saddlery Co.”, circa 1898-1899. The maker’s mark is shown prominently on the bottom of the skirt. Although, the cartridge belt is unmarked, it shows the same tooling and dark brown color. Overall condition is excellent.
Texas Rig Condition
All the original stitching is present and solid with the cartridge loops showing hand stitching, reminiscent of the era. The double loop holster will accommodate a Colt SAA with a 4 ¾” or 5 ½” barrel. The belt is 2 ½” wide x 40” long (waist size 34”) with 24 cartridge loops for .44/.45 caliber bullets.
El Paso Saddlery Co. History
William S. Hill and Frank H. Andrews opened their saddlery shop in El Paso, Texas in the late 1880’s. In 1898, William Hill partnered up with W. H. Shelton and established “El Paso Saddlery Co.” through 1899. Even though the El Paso Saddlery Co. is still in business today, what happened to the El Paso Saddlery Co. after 1899 is unknown. The history of previous owners does not show up in historical records. Shelton broke off with a different partner, starting “Shelton-Payne Arms Co.” in El Paso, circa 1905-1915. What ever happened to William Hill and Frank Andrews is lost to time. As well as those who continued to operate the El Paso Saddlery Co. up into the 21st Century.
This is a fabulous example of the early saddlers art.
Not included is gun and cartridges shown in Clarks Antiques old western gun leather photos.
Clarks Antiques – Antique Gun Leather – El Paso Texas Rig – Price $4,500.00
Item #1801
This goes well with our Factory Engraved Colt 45