[runner]

I am new to the forum, so I will be asking a lot of questions. I just picked up a DWM 1918 Luger, the pistol is matching except for the mag. which is correct imperial but different number. The only thing unusual about the pistol is inside the right grip it has Initials and the date 1925.

The holster really has me puzzled. It is an artillery holster cut down to fit the 4 inch barreled pistol. The holster is brown and marked H. Koffmann jr. Berlin 1915 on the back. What is strange to me, is the holster has not been modified with belt loops on the back, or a closing stud on the front. Mr. E. Bender's book shows one just like it on page 198. DO I have a post war bubba job, or a holster that was never completed or was it used in some fashion I can't figure out? The sewn in toe plug is professionally done and looks period. thanks in advance for any help.

 

[lugerlou]

Runner

Welcome to the forum, nothing strange about a cut down artillery bieng matched to a 1918 luger.

What exactly is on the back of the holster, the closing stud on the front would only be present if the strap is sewn in the middle and closes in the police fashion. If the holster has a buckel and strap running diagonally from the flap to the left side to intersect with the buckel thats good.

As to your grip with the 1925 inside is the date stamped into the wood or is it written in ink, anyway no big deal it is just a later grip then.

 

[runner]

The holster is still configured as an artillery except for having been shortened. The back of the holster has only the crosswise leather strap that formed the two loops for the sholder stock straps. The closing strap is also as on an unaltered artillery, the strap is sewn on the holster body and goes straight up through the loop on the flap, but there is no stud to attach it to.

 

[Edward Tinker]

I have seen and heard of "police" that still used the artillery style of wearing, i.e. like you stated.

Pictures of the holster, front and rear would be helpful.

WELCOME to the forum!

Ed

 

[runner]

Ok, I just took some pictures, but my technical support (son) is asleep, so I hope I can do this.

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Download Attachment: holster back.jpg
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Download Attachment: holster flap.jpg
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[lugerlou]

Runner

Can you post another picture of the stiching of the plug in the bottom of the holster.

The holster looks new, have you touched it up at all ???

The ink stamping looks real and the closure is proper, do not worry about the stud.

 

[runner]

I don't think the holster is new. When I got it, it was dirty and a white spotting, (mildew) all over it. It looked like the bottom of the toe plug looks now. I cleaned it with some blackrock leather cleaner, is that a mistake?

I can't understand why they would shorten the holster, but not but belt loops on the back and add a stud to the flap for closing the holster.

Here are some more pics. I appreciate your help.

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Download Attachment: holster plug.jpg
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[lugerlou]

Your holster is as good as gold, the reason the holster was modified was after ww#1 the treaty of versailles limited the barrels of the lugers to 4 inch.

The German people at large were forced to use up surplus war material ie ( artillery holsters) and these were shortened professionaly by the leather makers to facilitate the shortened barrels of the lugers

I am not to sure what blackrock cleaner is but the general consensus is that the product Hidefood is the best.

All other cleaners and oils deteriorate the leather but whats done is done. The product sure looks like it does a nice job.

Would it be possible to post pictures of your luger as you may have a shortened artillery.



On a side note the only thing looking strange to me is the placement of the stamp.

 

[runner]

How was the holster carried and closed after modification in this manner?
I just got registered to this forum this morning. My modest luger collection includes the DWM 1918 that came with this holster, another 1918/1920 dated DWM, that is in a really strange holster. A 1915 DWM artillery, also in a modified holster, and a 1936 dated S/42 in a 36 dated holster, but it has had its belt loops replaced. I have to leave town for 3 days, but when I get back I will be posting lots of pictures so you guys can answer my questions. thanks again, runner

 

[lugerlou]

Runner

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How was the holster carried and closed after modification in this manner?

Answer, on a belt around the shoulder and the leather closure over the strap was usually tight enough to keep the flap closed

We like strange here as it get's everybody thinking, looking forward to the photos

 

[runner]

How would you attach a holster like this to a belt when it has no belt loops?

 

[Pete E.]

Hi Frank,

Congratulations on a nice holster find !

Regarding your question about wearing this holster on a belt, see photo from E. bender's large book on Luger holster and accessories, on page 235 :

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I understand original belt hangers are quite rare. Advanced luger and holster collector Don Rousseau had told me at Reno he had only seen 1 or 2 holsters in person in his collecting career with the "hangers"...

Since the "hangers" seem to be rivoted in place, my WAG is that most were cut off when the holster was carried with the shoulder strap. Maybe that is why not many holsters with the "hangers" survived. Just sheer speculation on my part, though...

Your holster has a "twin"...this one is in my collection (mine has had its closure strap replaced) :

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[Edward Tinker]

Nice holster Frank, and Pete, you know that is one nice holster too!

ed

 

[jcoe]

Pete,
Here is a 1917 artillery holster with added belt loops. Not very fancy, just sewn loops, but obviously functional as they show much use.
John


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[runner]

I want to start by thanking everyone who replied to my original post. This board makes a new person feel welcome. I have collected and studied Mauser Rifles for years, and over time have "accumulated" some lugers and holsters, but know little about them, finding this forum has renewed my interest. As promised here are some more photos and questions. The first picture is a 1915 Art. by DWM the holster is marked AWM
1
1915
I always felt the belt loop was a non military addition, thoughts? The cleaning rod came with the rig.
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Download Attachment: DWM 1918.jpg
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The next one is the 1918 DWM that came in the cut down art holster that I originally posted about.

 

[runner]

This is another WW 1 holster that is in need of a little help. It is missing the pull up strap and the closing strap is in poor shape. The back of the holster is marked
N. BURH???
PASING
1918
Is this holster worth repairing? or is it better left alone? I bought it with the intention of mating it to the 1918 Dated DWM

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[lugerlou]

Runner

Repair your holster and Mr. Jerry Burney is the forum's resident holster expert. He will respond and fix you up to the very best.

 

[runner]

Thought I might as well show the entire collection, (there are some more holsters somewhere)

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this holster has always interested me, both because of it provision for tool storage, but the flap itself is softer and less molded than my other luger holsters. The only marking is the large 17 ink stamped on the inside of the flap.

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1920 luger holster.jpg

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Finally unit markings on a DWM 1918/1920 double date.. Any idea what they mean? thanks,

Download Attachment: 1920 double date.jpg
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[Jan C Still]

Frank
You have a beautiful collection of lugers and holsters. Thanks for the photographs.
According to the 1922 dated Prussian State Police directive S.B.So.I ??1477 signifies: Prussian State Schutzpolizei Berlin Sudost Command I ?? Weapon 1477. Later (probably to conform to the 1932 dated Prussian State Police directive) The So.I?? was crossed out leaving S.B.1477 Schutzpolizei Berlin weapon number 1477.(German Small Arms Markings, page 91-93 and 98-104)

The Schutzpolizei were the city police.
Jan

 

[runner]

Thanks for the information on the markings. Can you give me any insight into the holster with the cleaning rod in the flap? IS it police? thanks, runner