Need ID help - this is a strange one

[sthomp]

This holster came with a 1937 S/42 this week and I cannot figure out what it is. So, I took it down to GT's house this morning and he had never seen one like it either. That's when I knew I was in trouble. Here's a summary of the "unique" features:
- Deep cut on main body front (like P38?)
- Originally brown, but dyed/painted black.
- L.G. deeply stamped on inside back of the body
- no other distinguishing original marks
- Very weird tool pouch - two sections
- front strap/buckle straight up/down...not canted
- pull up strap
- strange stitch pattern on back from previous attachment and 3 rivet holes
- non-original belt loops installed
GT picked up on most of these anomalies and thought it must be WW1 or prior.
Jerry B. have you ever seen one like this?
I don't plan to keep it, so any guesses on value would be appreciated.

[John Sabato]

My guess:

A former Artillery holster converted by a commercial leather worker (don't know the technical term? Cobbler? Shoe repairman? )... for use with a standard 4 inch barrel Luger.

Just my $0.02

[Vlim]

I've seen these before. IIRC they are not meant for a P08, but for another pistol. Just can't remember where or when I saw them (brain fart).

[wlyon]

My best guess is a commercial holster. Maybe not even a luger. The divided pouch does not appear to be wide enough for a tool?? Probably just me. If artillery I cannot see where a stock block or a cleaning rod pouch was removed. Interesting holster anyway. Where is Jerry when we need him?? Bill

[Vlim]

The twin pouch can also be found on Finnish holsters.

[lugerholsterrepair]

it has many characteristics of a Finnish Luger holster. Could be all the holes in the back were for a stock configuration. Just a guess. I think the holster started out as a Police..LG marking indicates that as well as the low cut in front. Although many LG holsters had a correspondingly lower front to the top lid to completely cover the low cut front..
Some Finnish 4" stock rigged holsters had this type of tool pouch with pin punch. I don't have the time to look it up and confirm any of this..Just my initial impression!

[sthomp]

Many thanks to all of you. I think I'm seeing a picture of a "hybridized" (maybe more correctly bastardized?) most likely Finnish holster. It sounds like no question it has been modified in several respects. I'll keep digging now that I have your guidance and of course any other comments will be very welcome. Quick question...were there any other pistol holsters using the pull-up strap through the front of the body (P08 style)? Steve

[lugerholsterrepair]

Steve, were there any other pistol holsters using the pull-up strap through the front of the body (P08 style)?

Yes..the Radom P35 comes to mind..That's the only common one that I can think of right off.

Regardless this holster IS for a P08. The tool pouch and magazine pouch confirm this. The other type of holster that used a tool pouch with a pin punch was a Luger commercial. This holster is not a commercial though.

[klaus 3338]

It is an altered Landes Gendamerie holster for the Dreyse.

[Schupo]

Klaus is quite correct that this is a reworked Landes Gendarmerie holster that was originally made for the Dreyse. The "L.G." markings give it away.

[sthomp]

Wow, you guys are amazing! Klaus, yes, I can see the same pattern on the back and I guess the L.G. nails it. Which brings up another question...is the black color original? Your pictures appear to show brown interior and part of the back, yet black for the front. Also what time frame would you estimate for it's manufacture? Thanks, Steve

[lugerholsterrepair]

Steve, is the black color original? No..At some point your holster, like the one Klaus shows was dyed black from the pleasing brown it once was. You can tell this from the inside panel. Dye was expensive and saddlers did not waste it dying the insides when these were changed from brown to black.

Your holster was extensively modified to carry a Luger pistol.

[klaus 3338]

I forgot to mention that the former Dreyse holster was issued to mounted "people".

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by klaus 3338

I forgot to mention that the former Dreyse holster was issued to mounted "people".

... ??? ... Klaus, that is a curious comment...What or who exactly were the 'mounted people'???

Cavalry??? Supply train 'people'??? Artillery???

A quick look in my library simply says 'issued to special [WW I German] troops'...

Edit 1: Hogg's German Handguns says it was issued 'primarily to staff officers and rear area troops'...

Edit 2: Wilson's Textbook of Automatic Pistols [pub 1934] simply refers to it as made before 'the Great War'...

[Don M]

The converted Dreyse holsters are discussed on pp. 187-8 of HWIS.

[klaus 3338]

Some units of the Landgendamerie were mounted. We have same in the old Army- mounted units of the Army for 1908 have had a special holster for the Reichsrevolver as the mounted staff, too. One can see it on the old pic.

[ithacaartist]

This photo reveals what kind of loops were originally stitched on. In my opinion, a clever design, which allows flexing of the holster out of vertical while mounted--without twisting the belt!

[wlyon]

Thanks Klaus. Your knowledge is exceeded only by your willingness to share. Bill