Chisholm’s Trail is going to begin a series of Confederate Bushwhacker and Union Jayhawker gun leather. There is not a lot of research in this area and we will be visiting more museums and private collections to bring you the most authentic gear from this period of American history. The holster and belt of Bloody Bill Anderson is as close as we can determine from personal stories and military reports. The rampant eagle buckle is especially interesting since the Union flag is ground off of the shield in the center and a CS is engraved in its place.
UNDER THE BLACK FLAG (Capt. Bloody Bill Anderson)
Bloody Bill Anderson photo enhance & colorized
Confederate guerrilla holsters of the period would have the trigger guard area exposed as well as the hammer. This would allow for a much quicker grasp of the gun butt and the ability to cock the gun while still in the holster. Note the Frank James holster above with these same characteristics. In addition the flap is closed with a tab and loop, which is faster than unsnapping or un-securing the Sam Browne stud holding the flap down. Seconds count in a gunfight. Many of the partisan holsters were brown so they would not be spotted as military. The toe is re-enforced with another layer of leather to hold the shape. The 1 3/4″ belt is adjusted by a second belt adjuster buckle on the side. There are several photos of rebel guerrillas wearing this type of belt. Note: All of our guerrilla and militia buckles are cast from originals.
It is recorded that Frank James, Cole Younger, and Bloody Bill Anderson took buckles from fallen Union soldiers at the battle of Centralia, Missouri and wore them the rest of their outlaw careers. See the enlargement in the photo to the left. The buckle has the flag in the center shield ground off and an engraved CS applied. The two piece buckle can be ordered separate for $49.95.
BLOODY BILL ANDERSON
Bloody Bill Anderson’s right cross draw, butt forward holster with flap and loop, smooth regulation black cap box, and 1 3/4″ military belt and buckle ~ $374.95