Richard Boone's character

I was wondering why Brett Manning (Boone) wears those long blue leather gloves the entire movie. They got to be so noticeable and persistent (even when he was playing poker) I started dreaming up plot lines that might reveal him to have a hook or mangled and/or wooden hands due to a previous encounter with another character that might explain his surliness. No explanation was offered though.

Could it be that he was wanting to be ready at any moment to crack that whip he loved using on anyone and everyone? Maybe I've answered my own question.

However, the blue color throws me. Why not a more utilitarian brown or black? Combined with that blue scarf he wore, it's almost like he was making a fashion statement in preparation for his role as Paladin at home in the Hotel Carlton wearing his dandy clothes.