Has anyone heard anything about John Wayne's Hondo rig being made by Tom Threepersons?
Bob Brown the Leonardo of Leather
I wrote to Wm. Brown Holster Co. Tombstone, Arizona about this matter who says John Wayne's gun belt was actually a non-functional money belt, originally made by the artist Bob Brown of Hollywood. See item #71 John Wayne - boot tops, holster and belt.Driftwood Johnson said:Not authentic to the Old West, the Duke style was first made for John Wayne by Tom Threepersons in the 1930s.
Bill Brown said:Thank you for the email regarding Bob Brown and the Duke holster. Bob Brown was a friend, he used to work (many years ago) for my relatives on their ranch at Big Bear when he was younger. Bob told me he made this holster and belt for John Wayne. Bob made several Hollywood rigs, of which he has given me several of the patterns...
...As I mentioned in my previous email to you, Bob Brown made the original. It doesn't matter to me whether someone else says they are the ones that made it, not, it's the rig I make, it's on my web site and shows you exactly how I make this holster. Yes, you are correct, it does not have a skirt. I believe the Hondo holster and belt is the Duke holster.
Bob Brown the Leonardo of Leather