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VERY RARE EARLY WESTERN FRONTIER RIFLE SCABBARD –
1860’s – 1870’s “SLIM JIM” PATTERN - FOR THE HENRY
RIFLE, MODEL 1866 WINCHESTER, SHARPS & REMINGTON
SPORTING RIFLES – EXCELLENT CONDITION:
Presenting in excellent condition and exhibiting several
features which strongly suggest manufacture in the early
Western Frontier era of the 1860’s through the 1870’s,
this Rifle Scabbard is a very rare survivor, and one
which is seldom seen. This is the perfect scabbard to
display with a Henry or Model 1866 Winchester Rifle, or
a Sharps or Remington Sporting Rifle such was on the
post-Civil War buffalo hunt prairies.
Measuring 39” long, the scabbard was formed with the
same distinct profile seen on the early “Slim Jim”
holsters produced to carry the percussion and early
cartridge conversion revolvers, with a definite “step”
below the receiver and a definitively constricted 19 ˝”
long barrel tube. While the pattern for this scabbard
was designed to accommodate a number of different models
of rifles in use during the period, this scabbard will
accept all of the rifles listed above. The toe of the
scabbard is fitted with a round plug – a feature which
was eventually abandoned in favor of the “pinched” toe
seam seen on later production scabbards.
The scabbard was made without the riveted carrying strap
loops which are also a feature of later production
scabbards. While the carrying straps did not survive
with this scabbard, there is evidence of parallel marks
of light wear just below the throat and just below the
barrel tube step, which appear to be caused by repeated
wear from straps rubbing across the surface of the
leather – indication that this scabbard was carried on a
saddle. Finally, there are remnants of a two-piece
strap which was used to close the throat of the scabbard
and secure the rifle in place.
The right side of the scabbard is completely covered
with very attractive complex, detailed stamping which
follows the profile of the scabbard. The left side of
the scabbard is stamped with a 1 ˝” wide border which
carries over several of the stamping patterns from the
right side. All the stamping is very nicely executed
and speaks of an experienced leather worker’s hand.
The substantial-weight leather is very supple, it
retains a bright, shiny surface, the scabbard holds its
shape, and is full form. . There is some crazing, but
very little loss of surface. All of the seams are
intact and show no signs of repair or restitching, and
as noted, the toe plug is in place. While the scabbard
holds it shape, but the leather is relaxed a few inches
below the barrel tube step where the tube will fold over
if not supported internally. Otherwise the leather both
at the throat and lower towards the toe shows no
softening or flexing.
The scabbard is completely lined with soft chamois-type
leather which appears to be fully intact the length of
the interior. There is a second layer of lining at the
very opening of the throat which has experienced some
wear, but the wear has not affected the base layer of
lining.
This was an expensive, quality rifle scabbard of its
day. It would be a key addition to a gun leather
collection, and one which would display perfectly with a
high condition Henry, Model 1866, or a Buffalo Hunter’s
Rifle. Such a rare specimen that similar scabbards have
not been included in such works as Packing Iron,
this is an excellent example of the early rifle
scabbards in use on the Frontier, and one that would
never need to be upgraded, if it were possible. (0415)
$2500
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