1944 Hardshell P38 Holster - Curious Code

Yes, the late late war hardshell holsters are less common than the "softshell" P.38 holsters. I opine that the production time for a softshell was shorter, including not just the material shaping but also the number of parts, the time to train labor, and the amount of labor used. There is a unique metal fitting riveted to the front of the hardshell version that is not required on the softshell version. Training to produce a softshell could result in ability to construct P.38, Astra 600, and generic 9mm pistol holsters. Training to produce a hardshell applied only to P.38 holsters once P.39 holsters were no longer produced (I believe this ended in 1940). You could produce a softshell about anywhere with fewer tools and fixtures, but not a hardshell.
The softshells probably had a shorter expected service life but the benefits outweighed the costs.

Your hardshell P.39 looks like it has either had partially black stitching or has had much of the outer and inner back surfaces dyed black post-production.

Thank you for the insight, sad to hear it has been adultered though.

1933 FORD NUT said:

Found a pic of back.
Weak markings other than the RBN marking and note stuff upside down.

Reason I bought it 35 years ago .
Thought the HK folks may have marked it.
Never had a belt in it View attachment 712764

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Wow excellent holster and pistols. I can definitely see what holster collector was talking about pertaining to the stitching after seeing yours.

I like your funny serial numbers, is that a point of feature you try and look out for?

Thanks and yes on funny serials.
Adds a challenge.

Mobandy here seems to have a thing with "buckshot" 00 guns

Your holster is still very hard to find and desirable .

Took mine to a show once with 7777a and about got mugged by folks wanting them.

[QUOTE="PizzaBert, post: 1021905, member: 43912"
I like your funny serial numbers, is that a point of feature you try and look out for?
[/QUOTE]

PizzaBert said:

Closest thing I got to a cool serial number is my BYF43 98k with SN: 6669i. Got it for a pretty fair price since it had a barrel replacement (think a rescued sporter). One of my favorite shooters
View attachment 712812

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Agree that is a good serial.

Remember your holster is very desirable even with blacked stiching.
May narrow the field of buyers some but it will still have interest.
Hard to find type.

1933 FORD NUT said:

Agree that is a good serial.

Remember your holster is very desirable even with blacked stiching.
May narrow the field of buyers some but it will still have interest.
Hard to find type.

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I appreciate it man. I think it was just dyed black as there are sections that still retain the original color. May throw it up on WTS if something cool comes up near me, keep those eyes peeled 👍🏻

PizzaBert said:

I appreciate it man. I think it was just dyed black as there are sections that still retain the original color. May throw it up on WTS if something cool comes up near me, keep those eyes peeled 👍🏻

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P.38 forum or WAF firearms forum would be good exposure also.
I would want it but you have seen my ENTIRE P.38 collection

Good luck

holster collector said:

Your hardshell P.39 looks like it has either had partially black stitching or has had much of the outer and inner back surfaces dyed black post-production.

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Definitely a collectible and interesting holster. One of the last hardshells.

holster collector said:

Definitely a collectible and interesting holster. One of the last hardshells.

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Are there any 1945 hardshells? Or were they all consumed as a ration supplement?

PizzaBert said:

Are there any 1945 hardshells? Or were they all consumed as a ration supplement?

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I haven't seen one specifically with a 45 date stamp. Some police marked or RBN marked hardshells might have been made in 1945 but I haven't seen one personally. It seems a lot of 44 dated holsters and other equipment exist but 45 dated items are much less common, even taking into account the limited production months which, in practical terms, were from Jan to late April for the last producers. The personnel may have been redirected to defense roles unless the factory was making absolutely essential items like arms. Raw material deliveries were now under regular air attack. Vehicles were needed for military purposes.