[Ron Smith]

I took delivery of what I would consider an unlikely find today. A 1915 unit marked holster, stamped A.J.R.98.It is the 98th Inf. Regiment Artillery. I got the holster from a forum member. Dave, who goes by "taudelt". He showed it on the forum,and then announced that it was on ebay. I stripped down to my wallet and dove in. And won it.

A few months ago I picked the pistol up. Also from a member. A 1911 Erfurt with 3 unit marks. The most recent mark is The 98th Infantry. This is why I dove in.
Now, beyond my expectations, I have a unit marked mated rig. And I'm happy!!And had to brag a bit. Please! Enjoy looking at it. Ron

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[lugerholsterrepair]

Some people have all the luck! Or was it skill and daring? Congratulations on aquiring a fine rig Ron! Jerry Burney

 

[Joop van de Kant]

Lucky Ron,

The one in a million rig! Congratulations, and compliments for your quick reaction when you saw the possible combination passing by.
I have to admit that I am jealous...

 

[Ron Smith]

Jerry, It,of course, was skill and daring. The skill of juggling the bills. And daring bodily injury, if my wife finds out.
I just wish it was a complete match. As in the holster being a 1911 also. However, I'll try to overcome my disappointment. And do my best to live with it. If anyone would care to make a donation. It would help me deal with the grief.

Joop, Thankyou! When Dave posted the photos of the three holsters, he had just purchased. And I saw the 98th Inf stamp. I assumed that he had purchased them for his collection. And would never sell. By the time I decided to contact him,he already had them posted on ebay. I actually won two. The other is a very nice police re-work. A perfect match for my 1921/1920 police Luger.

I would like to add that, credit should be given to Jerry Burney for his priceless advice, expert holster knowledge, and assistance.Also to Jan Still for his assistance in translating the pistol unit marks. And to Jeff Noll for his outstanding book on Imperial unit Markings. Could'nt have done it without them. If you'er new to the forum, and to Lugers. Listen to these guys,and the other knowledgable members. You can't go wrong!

Thanks! Ron

 

[taudelt]

Ron....... A couple of comments....... First and foremost, I'm very glad they found such a good home...... Second....I assume you are paying for the adult beverages......

 

[Ron Smith]

Dave, The Wild Turkey Lattes are on me. I'm still trying to convince Starbucks to put them on the menu, but they are resisting. Go figure!!

Dave,Thanks for everything! Ron

 

[Dwight Gruber]

Ron,

Congratulations on a very fine rig, not only a spectacular pistol and good looking holster individually, but as Joop says, a combination to be envied.

--Dwight

 

[Ron Smith]

Dwight, I think I'm finally getting the hang of this, balancing collecting and bankruptcy. I've learned alot from your posts,also.

Thanks! Ron

 

[Edward Tinker]

Very nice Ron! I too like the holster from the same "year", but to be correct, if it is from the same time period, I feel it is at least period correct!
Ed

 

[Ron Smith]

Ed, The way I look at it is that the Pistol was issued to two other units prior to going to the 98th Inf. It's a very good possibility that the 98th Inf. did'nt get the pistol until 1915. In which case the original holster could have been replaced with a new unit marked holster. I know it's purly hypothetical. However, it is feasible. That is why I refer to it as mated, rather than matched.
I realize that it's my own little halucination, but it's all I've got Thanks Ed, Ron

 

[lugerlou]

Ron

Very nice unit you have had the good fortune of matching up,was considering on emailing taudelt to see if he would ship to Canada as his post on ebay said ship to US only.In hindsight I am glad that did not take place as the holster rightfully belongs with your erfurt pistol. Congratulations on putting the two together.

 

[Ron Smith]

Lugerlou, Thanks for being magnanamus. I knew some people were after it. However, I was prepared to go to the matt on this one. I contacted Dave about it,but he had already put it up on ebay. I put it on the watch list and was checking it about every hour. Did not want to lose it. Thanks again, Ron

 

[lugerlou]

Ron

Your welcome

 

[garfield]

Ron:

Very nice rig! One to cherish.

People that are of the opinion that the only correct holster is one that bears the same year as the pistol are of the same mind set as those that would vote for John F Kerry. My HO, of course.