Another ID, please?

[ericnels]

Greetings, all...

I recently purchased my first Luger, a 1916 DWM. It came with the holster pictured below. The only ID on the holster is a nickel-sized (about .700") circular stamp on the underside of the flap. The number 1916 is stamped inside a smaller concentric circle (about .450"). Between the circles are what seem to be radial marks.

I would appreciate your thoughts as to the provenance of my holster and whether it is worthy of restoration.

Thanks in advance!

Eric

[lugerholsterrepair]

Eric, You are a lucky man! You have a very decent 1916 holster to go with your new Luger!

I would appreciate your thoughts as to the provenance of my holster and whether it is worthy of restoration.

The provenance you already know...where and from whom you bought it? They may know further provenance but you would have to ask them.

The holster seems to be complete, no missing parts and the stitching looks good. What would you want to restore?

Congratulations!

Jerry Burney

[ericnels]

Jerry,

After reading the many informative posts here, I was concerned about the minimal markings- specifically the absence of maker's name, city and such found on many of the holsters. Is it possible that this holster came from the factory with the gun? What might the absence of military or police unit markings mean?

As for provenance, all I know is what the seller told me. He was selling it for his girlfriend- she received it from her grandfather's estate. Grampa was in the military during the WWII period, but that's all she knew. She knew nothing of where or how he obtained it. I was hoping to fill in the blanks from the gun's beginning.

My 1916 DWM has all numbers matching except for the two magazines. I have pictures, but she's been re-blued- which I know is a BIG NO-NO here- so I am reluctant to offend by posting them.

I collect shooters, and at less than $700 I felt the package was too good to pass up.

The leather of the holster is very dry and the tool pocket is missing most of the stitching. The slot in the tool pocket flap is very sloppy on the pin as well. After seeing your excellent work in pictures and reading the many testimonials here, I will definitely contact you off the board shortly to set up my holster's rejuvenation. I would appreciate your opinion of its' value as well.

Thanks again for sharing your expertise.

Eric

[lugerholsterrepair]

Eric, I was concerned about the minimal markings. Often there are not many markings on a WW1 holster. The Nazi's put more on. The 1916 date stamp might have a maker mark around in the circle that has been rubbed away? You might look with a very good light and magnification.

The provenance of items you have is likely lost to time. There is little to gain on the holster other than you know it is military because it is dated.

A good application of lanolin is likely to improve the suppleness of the outside.

I would value this holster at $300-350. Some sellers would offer it for a hundred more but would have trouble finding a buyer. Holsters have dropped a tad in the last year.

All in all you did very well on your first purchase! Did you get a loading tool with it?

Don't worry about offending any sensibilities here! By all means, show your Luger & mags! We like them all...

Jerry Burney