Three new, old L P08 "Artillery" holsters

[DonVoigt]

I bought these three holsters this week at the Va meet from Keoki, why? I couldn't decide which one I really wanted!

First is an un-marked except for name inside, tan "corduroy" leather in nice shape. These are pretty "soft" leather and the construction is a little different from later more standard issue holsters. Note that there are no "ears" on the rod cover flap.


Second is a nice pebble grain calf or cowhide brown holster marked AWM over 1 over 15 on the back, which I believe is Jan. of 1915 and made at the Artillery Workshops in Munich(Bavaria). There is a tough to read ink marking on the inside flap, which I believe is "BAX II". These holsters are also of fairly thin leather and carry the cleaning rod inside the holster on the front , and the loading tool in a pocket sewn in the back inside as seen in the pictures. This holster was modified by adding belt loops, probably in the Weimar era for belt carry, and the suspension block recently restored by Jerry at lugerholsterrepair.


Third is a brown cowhide holster with pebble grain, made in 1917 and issued in 1918. This is one of the latest pebble grained holsters known. It is maker marked "Leif Gnossensch, Sattler, Pforzheim, 1917.; with a 1918 under the marking on the inside flap, and the marking repeated with only the 1917-which is part of the maker's stamp on the back, with LZA above. Two slits were cut in the top to accept the closure strap- a modification for use without the standard stock suspension rig- leaving no stud for the strap to latch over. Likely used with removable belt loops in this configuration-since removed.


The method of adding belt loops is shown here on another holster. This one is an L P 08 holster cut down for the 4" P 08.



I was happy to get these unusual and scarce examples; but now I'm on the search -again- for stocks and rigs to "complete" the holsters. I may just have Jerry make me a set of "loops" for one of these, will be a lot cheaper!

Comments and additional information is welcome as always!