Howard Stacy Becknell Holster Maker

[eb07]

So I bought a holster on ebay a few weeks back for my colt lightweight commander. I wanted an older Brill style, open top. It is to server as a field holster.

I found one for a great price.

The seller just contacted me informing me he just found out that it is one of two known examples of Texas holster maker and 20 year Big Lake, TX Sheriff Stacy Becknell who passed in 1995.


Info on him:

https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-obituary-for-h/102373558/

I am interested if anyone knows anything about this or the man himself. Below are photos of the holster and my LWC in the holster.

Thanks!

 

[Kansasgunner]

I have nothing to add about Sheriff Becknell, but that is a fine looking holster that he made!

 

[SG-688]

Forum member -db- has one like yours in black for a 5 inch GM that is pictured in the book Holstory by Red Nichols and John Witty. They note the wide fender belt loop, thick welt and double row stitching. There was no comment on the unusual but not unique alignment of the basketweave pattern.

Their only biographical note: Texas lawman and maker Stacy Becknell b. 1915 d. 1995 San Angelo TX.

Is -db-'s holster one of the two, or does that make 3?

You don't comment on the magazine pouch, but it looks like a Safariland design.

A quibble: from the obit, he was chief of police, a deputy sheriff and a justice of the peace, but not sheriff.

 

[eb07]

Forum member -db- has one like yours in black for a 5 inch GM that is pictured in the book Holstory by Red Nichols and John Witty. They note the wide fender belt loop, thick welt and double row stitching. There was no comment on the unusual but not unique alignment of the basketweave pattern.

Their only biographical note: Texas lawman and maker Stacy Becknell b. 1915 d. 1995 San Angelo TX.

Is -db-'s holster one of the two, or does that make 3?

You don't comment on the magazine pouch, but it looks like a Safariland design.

A quibble: from the obit, he was chief of police, a deputy sheriff and a justice of the peace, but not sheriff.

Thank you for the info.

I would not know if it's two or three. I was messaged by the seller after purchase and informed of this. I could tell he was having regrets of selling it because he did not know its history.

The mag pouch is safariland and not related to the holster

Also I was very excited about the find and didn't read closely the obituary. Thanks for the correction. He was police chief for big lake.

I plan on using this for many years to come as my field holster when I am out and about rural which is pretty often. it will be cared for and used often and not sit in a box or a bag

 

[-db-]

I suspect the seller was referring to mine and the one he had (now in eb07's possession), as this forum is easily searchable via Google and anyone researching Becknell will find links to threads posted here wherein Red Nichols discusses the holster I have. I, for one, don't follow the collecting scene as much as I used to but still try to keep abreast of things regarding quality vintage gunleather and grips and have never seen another Becknell holster until this thread here today. Great find, Eric! Here's the one I have:

 

[dobegrant]

congratulations, nice looking holster and some neat historical connections

 

[mexicanjoe]

I had the pleasure of meeting Stacey in McCamey, Texas at our sub-station, in the early 90's. I can tell you his work was absolutely top tier! Most of the "seasoned officers" in the area wore his leather, and with pride may I add. He hand carved all his leather and his rigs were stitched by hand. A well known figure in the area , he was busy taking orders and quick to tell you it would be a while , as he had several orders. Ive known officers who would think nothing of dropping $400- $600 for a floral carved rig. Somewhere I have a Stacey carved holster ( left handed ) for a3.5 RM. I wear a Stacey belt to court most days. If you can find one of his rigs or part thereof, hand on to it! His 1911 holsters were unbelievably fast from the draw.

 

[eb07]

I suspect the seller was referring to mine and the one he had (now in eb07's possession), as this forum is easily searchable via Google and anyone researching Becknell will find links to threads posted here wherein Red Nichols discusses the holster I have. I, for one, don't follow the collecting scene as much as I used to but still try to keep abreast of things regarding quality vintage gunleather and grips and have never seen another Becknell holster until this thread here today. Great find, Eric! Here's the one I have:

I had the pleasure of meeting Stacey in McCamey, Texas at our sub-station, in the early 90's. I can tell you his work was absolutely top tier! Most of the "seasoned officers" in the area wore his leather, and with pride may I add. He hand carved all his leather and his rigs were stitched by hand. A well known figure in the area , he was busy taking orders and quick to tell you it would be a while , as he had several orders. Ive known officers who would think nothing of dropping $400- $600 for a floral carved rig. Somewhere I have a Stacey carved holster ( left handed ) for a3.5 RM. I wear a Stacey belt to court most days. If you can find one of his rigs or part thereof, hand on to it! His 1911 holsters were unbelievably fast from the draw.

Thank you both for the info. While not wearing on a hip level gun belt, it still carries well and yes it is fast.

Thank you again