Three new, old L P08 "Artillery" holsters

DonVoigt · 07-24-2016, 12:28 PM

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!

Edward Tinker · 07-24-2016, 12:53 PM

Don, really nice holsters!

Ed

laoshi75 · 07-24-2016, 01:02 PM

Yes, very nice holsters ! Congratulations !

Vlim · 07-24-2016, 02:09 PM

You can't go wrong when buying from George. Well done!

Eugen · 07-24-2016, 03:07 PM

Very nice and different!

laoshi75 · 07-25-2016, 08:33 AM

To all forum members interested in these very rare early Ari holsters, I strongly recommend to read the book by E.SAYRE " The Luger, Snail Drum and other Accessories".
christian

JTD · 07-25-2016, 09:01 PM

Don, you have aquired 3 very nice holsters. congrats. Christian is right, get a copy of Ed Sayers book. John

DonVoigt · 07-26-2016, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTD

Don, you have aquired 3 very nice holsters. congrats. Christian is right, get a copy of Ed Sayers book. John

I have it, thanks.

07-24-2016, 12:28 PM	#1
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,441 Thanked 4,350 Times in 2,040 Posts	Three new, old L P08 "Artillery" holsters 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! Attached Thumbnails __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

07-24-2016, 03:07 PM	#5
Eugen User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Newburgh,IN Posts: 790 Thanks: 394 Thanked 631 Times in 334 Posts	Very nice and different! __________________ “God created war so that Americans would learn geography.” ― Mark Twain

07-24-2016, 12:53 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,935 Thanks: 2,033 Thanked 4,533 Times in 2,093 Posts	Don, really nice holsters! Ed

07-24-2016, 01:02 PM	#3
laoshi75 User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Thailand/France Posts: 490 Thanks: 288 Thanked 96 Times in 41 Posts	Yes, very nice holsters ! Congratulations !

07-24-2016, 02:09 PM	#4
Vlim Moderator Lifetime LugerForum Patron Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Europe Posts: 5,053 Thanks: 1,036 Thanked 3,988 Times in 1,205 Posts	You can't go wrong when buying from George. Well done!

07-25-2016, 08:33 AM	#6
laoshi75 User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Thailand/France Posts: 490 Thanks: 288 Thanked 96 Times in 41 Posts	To all forum members interested in these very rare early Ari holsters, I strongly recommend to read the book by E.SAYRE " The Luger, Snail Drum and other Accessories". christian

07-25-2016, 09:01 PM	#7
JTD User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 425 Thanks: 217 Thanked 408 Times in 149 Posts	Don, you have aquired 3 very nice holsters. congrats. Christian is right, get a copy of Ed Sayers book. John