Need Help Identifying Possible WWI Luger Holster

[Aragorn243]

Saw this yesterday afternoon in a local gun shop junk box. Had an idea what it was but wasn't sure and couldn't find any markings I recognized to confirm who made it or when. At $20, it wasn't cheap enough to walk out with it that day but after research last night decided to take a chance on it.

I just don't have the eyes to make out the makers mark. Looks like the first couple of letters may be off the leather.

..FERUNGSGL.......
DER
SATTLER
NURNBER....
1918

Then a large 126 which is upside down to the rest.

The leather is for the most part still supple although there are some dry spots and some minor cracking. Obvious loss of the strap.

So, what is it? What should I do with it to preserve or repair it? Tool is unmarked.

I was thinking of treating the leather with something and replacing the damaged strap but if advised not to I won't.

I saw some astronomical asking prices for these on ebay but most in better condition than this. Does this one still remain collectible?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Sentryduty]

For the record, I do not know anything about ID'ing Luger holders from fakes, but I do enjoy a puzzle.

I found a listing of Luger holster makers on some section of gun boards which lists some of the letters you described: Lieferungsgenossenschaft der Sattler and NÜRNBERG.

I did just read the ebay, how to spot a fake for Luger holsters: Luger Holsters. How to spot the fakes. | eBay

From that article and the photos you show, as a layman I would begin to think it might be genuine, however I am keen to see if any expert can find some hallmark or telltale that can confirm or deny it's authenticity.

I draw no professional conclusions, but knowing that new India made fakes are about $60, (a gift for my father who has a KWC Luger replica airgun) I would too have purchased it on a gamble.

[Sentryduty]

Luger Holsters

The following is a description of two very interesting P.08 style German manufacture commercial holsters. The first example could be considered the more standard. The leather color is dark brown. The holster body is rigid with a magazine and cleaning rod pouch stitched to the spine and the body has a leather "Pull up" strap for removing the pistol. The bucket flap is secured to the holster body with a leather strap, belt buckle and belt loop. Under the flap is a pouch for a tool and pin punch. The flap is secured by a brass stud and slit. Two angled belt loops are stitched the rear holster body. The holster body top edge and the holster flap edge have a piping border. The stitching is excellent and is a red/brown color. On the inside cover flap are two identical 3-line ink stampings and a hand written name in ink.
The second holster is also dark brown and is mostly the same as the above holster with the following significant exceptions. There is no tool and pin punch pouch under the holster flap and there is no cleaning rod pouch stitched to the holster body spine, only a spare magazine pouch and the body lacks a leather strap for removing the pistol. The stitching is a bit coarser and a single stitching line is used on the top of the holster flap where a double stitch line is used in the first example. There are no piping borders or any stampings or marks whatsoever. The bucket style holster flap of the second example is stitched at the upper forward spine edge whereas the first example holster flap is a formed piece or leather at both corners. The back of the P.08 commercial holster is a single piece of leather being part of the magazine pouch back as well. The P.08 Commercial-Military holster back is separate from the magazine pouch. The magazine pouch and cleaning rod pouch are sewn onto the leading edge of the holster.

Regarding the first example holster cited, some Imperial German officers were required to purchase their P.08 Luger pistols and holsters. The holsters were probably purchased privately which may explain the lack of a maker and date stamp. The 1st example holster generally does not have any military proofs or stamps yet are military issue and shouldn't be considered commercial, however a commercial, no date stamped P.08 Luger without the hold open device would be proper for this holster.

The second example holster is clearly a P.08 style commercial holster of German manufacture of unidentified origins. It deviates from the military issue, as it doesn't comply with the accepted P.08 holster military pattern, lacking the loading tool/pin pouch and cleaning rod pouch. The holster more than likely is pre WWI and would be appropriate for a P.08 commercial or possibly a 1906 new model grip safety 4" 9mm Luger, which were manufactured up to 1914.

[Aragorn243]

If this is a fake, they really went out of their way to age it, I can't imagine them tearing off the strap. I'm no expert either but I doubt it's fake, I just don't know exactly what it is. The owner of the shop said it was in a box in the back of the store and he decided to clear the stuff out. He's owned the place maybe 5 or 6 years now and this would be from stuff that was there when he bought the place. I can find no other markings on it. I compared it to your information above and from what I can understand, it meets all the requirements. I don't understand the part about the extension and the hinge.

[Sentryduty]

I compared it to your information above and from what I can understand, it meets all the requirements. I don't understand the part about the extension and the hinge.

I conclude the same thing, and I don't quite understand all of the Ebay author's terms either.

[Aragorn243]

Seem to have confirmed the manufacturer:

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload...lsterlist6.jpg

[vintage hunter]

Now you gotta find a WWI P 08 to go in it. Or do you already have one?

[Aragorn243]

No, unfortunately not. Not likely to get one anytime soon although I'd love to have one.