The expiration of Smith & Wesson’s patent on the bored-through cylinder in 1869 led Colt to design the revolutionary M-1873 Single Action Army, which soon earned the moniker the “Peacemaker”, “Equalizer”, and “gun that won the West”. Carried by soldiers, lawmen, ranchers, rustlers, cowboys, and outlaws alike, the Colt SAA quickly became synonymous with the untamed wilds of the American West. This Vintage 1970s W.R. Thompson Colt 5.5" SAA Revolver Studded Leather Pistol Holster & Gun Belt Rig is in Excellent Condition, with some light overall drying and stiffening, and with some light scattered darkening, verdigris, and age wear evident. Most interestingly, the holster is crafted in the classic “Mexican single loop” design, with a folded over skirt that also acts as the belt slide, bears elegant brass stud work all around the front, and is stamped at the middle front loop with the classic oval "saddler" style logo of its maker, "W.R. THOMPSON / CO. / MAKER / RIFLE, COLO.”. The holster is constructed of gorgeous light brown saddle leather, measures 4“ wide across the top opening, and 8 1/2“ long down the straight side, making it ideal for a Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver with a 5.5” barrel, and features a purpose made open toe. The belt is also constructed of gorgeous light brown saddle leather, sports 30 sewn leather shell loops for .44 WCF/.45 LC ammo along the left side and back, and is stamped at the right front with the matching oval "saddler" style logo of its maker, "W.R. THOMPSON / CO. / MAKER / RIFLE, COLO.”. W.R. Thompson was a famous holster and saddle maker in Rifle, Colorado from 1888-1908; this rig is undoubtedly of far later manufacture, and was likely produced in the ca. 1970s using the old W.R. Thompson name. The belt measures 48 1/4" long overall x 2 1/2" wide, bears a fully functional metal front buckle closure, and the set is a beautiful example of a rare, original Vintage 1970s W.R. Thompson Colt 5.5" SAA Revolver Studded Leather Pistol Holster & Gun Belt Rig.