Can some of you offer some insight into this holster? Marked on the inside "Pony Express Sport Shop", Encino, CA..then has the type of gun it was made to hold. In this case a Colt Frontier .45.

In checking the internet, doesn't seem like this company is in business any longer. Looking to find out when the holster might have been made and any other thoughts you all may have on this holster.
Thanks..

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If you really want to pursue this, you might have some success by calling directory service for Encino, CA and see if they have a telephone listing for the Pony Express Sport Shop. There are so many capable holster makers getting in and out of the business that it's nearly impossible to follow up on them once they leave. Usually it's the major brands that keep a record on holsters, if at all. In fact, this holster may have been a "contract job" from any number of holster makers either here or south of the border. Being made for the Colt Frontier tells you that it is a relatively modern holster so that rules out any historical relationship. Best wishes on your quest.

If you really want to pursue this, you might have some success by calling directory service for Encino, CA and see if they have a telephone listing for the Pony Express Sport Shop. There are so many capable holster makers getting in and out of the business that it's nearly impossible to follow up on them once they leave. Usually it's the major brands that keep a record on holsters, if at all. In fact, this holster may have been a "contract job" from any number of holster makers either here or south of the border. Being made for the Colt Frontier tells you that it is a relatively modern holster so that rules out any historical relationship. Best wishes on your quest.

Nothing listed on the net...I'm thinking they might be out of business...will have to look deeper..

Didn't Colt mark some of their SAA's barrels Colt Frontier Six Shooter? 1878-1890? But maybe those weren't .45. .44-40 maybe..

Thanks for the reply..search continues...

. . . Didn't Colt mark some of their SAA's barrels Colt Frontier Six Shooter? 1878-1890? But maybe those weren't .45. .44-40 maybe...
Yes, original Colt Frontier Six Shooters are chambered in .44-40 and were marked so on their 7.5" barrels. Later Colt SA .44-40s were offered in other barrel lengths and, IIRC, dropping the Frontier Six Shooter designation. Sometime during the "cowboy craze" era, Colt offered the New Frontier which is a SA revolver that came with an adjustable rear and ramp front sight. New Frontiers can still be found on gun auction sites e.g. gunsamerica.

During the time of the original Frontier Six Shooter, holster makers were less inclined to designate their wares with gun models and more likely to just make custom holsters to fit the gun. Holsters were commonly stamped with the maker's logos which might read something like: John Doe, holster maker, El Paso, Texas enclosed in a circle or oval. Due to modern mass production of holsters, it's common now that holsters are found marked with gun model and barrel length. Didn't mean to turn this into a history lesson. Good luck with your search.:)

No, not at all...appreciate the history of it all...
Again, just trying to find info on this holster.

Thanks

Pony Express Sport Shop dates from the late 1960's through the 1970's. They came in on the end of the fast draw craze. While good servicable leather, they were not in the same class as an Alfonso or Ojala for quality or price. Enjoy.

Pony Express Sport Shop dates from the late 1960's through the 1970's. They came in on the end of the fast draw craze. While good servicable leather, they were not in the same class as an Alfonso or Ojala for quality or price. Enjoy.

Do you know if they themselves manufactured the rigs or did they have someone else make the holsters/belts and just sell them?

Sorry, can't help there. Most leathermakers have a logo that they deeply stamp into their products (usually before full finishing) and this set is only hand etched, therefore I would first assume it was remarketed. Pony Express was big into black powder and cowboy supplies at the time.

Surfing around I came up with the same name to a current company in the Los Angeles area. Whether they are connected or not, its up to you to make the calls. If they are, then maybe you can do some more research.
Good Luck

http://www.archeryfishinghunting.biz/detail/820/pony-express-sportshop-inc.html

http://www.brownbook.net/business/18616082/pony-express-sportshop-inc

Pony Express was a popular store on Ventura Blvd. in Encino Calif. In the early 1960's I used to buy reloading components there. They moved to a very large building in Van Nuys near the airport. They had a indoor archery and airgun range. The last couple of times I was in there the counter people were rather arrogant and the service was poor. They are no longer in business. There are not many gun stores left around here in socal. I only know of one in the San Fernando valley.

Bob

Have found ads in Guns magazine for the Sport Shop as far back as 1958 advertising their buscadero holster rig.

Pony Express was a popular store on Ventura Blvd. in Encino Calif. In the early 1960's I used to buy reloading components there. They moved to a very large building in Van Nuys near the airport. They had a indoor archery and airgun range. The last couple of times I was in there the counter people were rather arrogant and the service was poor. They are no longer in business. There are not many gun stores left around here in socal. I only know of one in the San Fernando valley.

Bob

The above info is correct. More info below:

The Pony Express didn't produce any leather goods for resale. They had a gunsmith that did some repair of leather; most people went to Alfonso's in Van Nuys (now in Burbank).

King's Gun Works in Glendale, has been sold, operates as Kings Armory now. Shooters World in Burbank is still open.

FYI guys, The Pony Exptess Gun Store that was located on Ventura Bl. in the San Fernando Valley has reopened a store in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. The store is called Northwest Pony Express 402 W. Canfield Ave. 83815 phone # 208 762-0740. Check out www.nwponyexpress.com good luck on your research.
Ed

You could also check out oldtradingpost.com out there in CA also. I got one of their Drop Loop Buscadero's made to fit me and my 460 S&W 8". Good quality nice fit thick leather.
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