Clamshell
Hello all,
My first post here. Funny where you find your old friends hanging out.
I'm retired Kern County SO, 31 years. Those on this thread are probably aware that Bakersfield, California, County seat of Kern County, is the home of the original Clamshell, known then as the Jewett Safety Holster.
Frank Jewett, the inventor/patent holder was a Kern County deputy sheriff. I have found a small bit of info on him. "Mr." Stanroy (I'm still trying to find info on him) was Frank Jewett's father-in-law. They were more or less in business together. Jewett owned the patents, Stanroy did the work - all by himself.
With that link I have always pursued any of the holsters I could find and have about 40 in various guns, barrel lengths, colors, finish, what have you.
Jewett and Stanroy are the same company. I've never taken the time to count all the labels he sold them under, but there are quite a few. Will do that as I continue my research.
Anyway, Hi Rob, it's been a while. I've been meaning to write you but lost your address again. Mine is
[email protected]
I was going to post on Handcuffs.org and see if you and Tim picked up.
I've never seen patent numbers on the holster, only the patent dates. However, some time back I sent you a picture of the "naked" clamshell. Stripped to the metal, no leather. On the metal, sure enough, was stamped the patent number, so it is covered by the leather covering. Hope you got the pic, if not, let me know and I will resend.
Now, for my news. I just got a weird one, a Stanroy, and it is for an 1877 Colt Lightning or Thunderer double action, even weirder it is for a 6" "Sheriffs Model" (no ejector rod). That gun was all but forgotten by the time Stanroy started making holsters. Would sure love to know the story. Send me new address and I will send pics with gun in it.
My apologies to all for being so long winded on my first post, but really appreciate the opportunity and venue for all 4 or 5 of us clamshell collectors in the world to get together again.
Brad