[Ron Smith]

This is the holster that I recieved with the 1911 Erfurt with three unit marks. Featured in Jan Still's excellent,informative post on the unit markings forum below. The pistol is also shown in detail on the traders forum.
I am told by the gentleman that I purchased the pistol from. That this is a re-worked Reichs Rev. holster. Stamped P.08 on the back. Captured by the Russians after WWI. Dyed red-brown to their specs. Any info. welcome and appreciated. I know very little about the history.
Thanks! Ron




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[Ron Wood]

Ron,
As I do not claim to be a Luger holster expert, I will certainly bow to the opinions of others who have more experience with vintage leather. However, I do not believe that this holster is what was represented to the individual who passed it on to you. I would venture to say that it is a "fantasy" piece with a very dubious background story provided for "authenticity". It appears unused which would be odd for a converted Reichsrevolver holster, and I seriously doubt that the Russians would have any incentive to mark a holster "P08".

 

[Jan C Still]

Ron
Ron Wood is right on the mark.
Jan

 

[Ron Smith]

Ron, It has been dipped in a thick red-brown dye. It is evident that at sometime prior to being dyed,it has had a pistol in it. It appears to be hand stitched. It is very well built and sturdy. The P.08 would have been stamped by the Germans after conversion. Captured ,dyed, and stored by the Russians.
I am not disputing your word. It may well be a Fantasy piece. It's just that what I am seeing, and what I am hearing don't connect. If someone built it, to pass it off. I don't think they recouped the cost in time labor and material. It also passes the smell test.

Thanks! Ron

 

[drbuster]

I recently purchased a holster identical to this one on e-bay, thankfully for little money. Most of the people I showed it to feel it's a Bulgarian style rework of recent vintage. It is well made to be sure but probably not that old. I am noticing that many holsters of this style, both new and old looking, are appearing for auction on e-bay.

 

[Ron Smith]

drbuster, Does yours have any stamps or markings inside the flap?
Ron

 

[lugerholsterrepair]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron, This is no Reichs revolver conversion.If it were it would be very valuble. From what I can see it is built on the Bulgarian WW11 P-08 model but not exactly.
I am guessing it is one of two possibilities. It might be a Bulgarian commercial holster or it might be a repro of a Bulgarian. I am leaning towards the Bulgarian commercial original because of the configuration of the flap and roller buckle and the extra tool pouch added to the front for a takedown loading tool and pin punch. I doubt very much it is a repro as Bulgarians do not demand high prices anyway so there would be little incentive to build a repro although it does have some hallmarks of a repro. It does appear to have some age and use. I have to agree with Ron Wood as to the P-08 markings. Jerry Burney

 

[Ron Smith]

Jerry, Oh Well! It was somewhat free. You guy's really piss me off, being right all the time. How am I supposed to scam some newbee with this junk? Thanks for dashing my dreams!!

All kidding aside. Thanks Guys! Ron

Hey, check out my .22 conversion post on New Collectors Board forum (moved to 1933-1945: Luger Holsters -Magazines JCS). Interesting discovery.

 

[lugerholsterrepair]

Ron, A newbie was scamed already, how many times do you expect it to happen? Just kiddding! I once was all hot to buy a holster at a gun show I was convinced was an Imperial 6" Navy...only to find out it was a Portugese. Many years ago; before I bought $700.00 worth of books and made many Friends on this and other Forums to help me out. I have paid a great deal of tuition in this hobby but you are doing the right thing...asking questions, even though you may not like the answers. Jerry Burney

 

[drbuster]

Ron, My "Bulgarian" holster mentioned above does indeed have a stamp inside the flap that reads in three lines: "hsiau Wagne-Wurtzen-1913" This stamp I have seen in other "Bulgarian" holsters on e-bay. No way is this holster 91 years old! No one seems to know where Wurtzen is located, if indeed it is on this planet! It's is just a well made luger holster of recent vintage that I won for less than $50 that has no historical significance whatsoever.

 

[Ron Smith]

Jerry , Thanks. I was just going by what I was told and wanted to find out for sure. He threw the holster in after I bought the 1911. So if you discount what I paid him for Luger. Hey! I got it for free.. kind of. I appreciate all of the help and advice you've given me. And the outstanding holster work. Have a great day!

Ron

 

[Ron Smith]

drbuster, Mines better than yours, it says "G HOLSTER MUNCHEN 1915." The "G" must stand for "German". That'll fool 'em by golly. This is a real german holster. Cause it says so!!

Oh well I'm with you. The price was right. And my apologies to all for being a dupe. I was recently promoted to dupe first class.

Thanks! Ron

 

[keoki7]

Hey Ron, the seller added it to the sale "gratis" cause it was cheaper for him then including a pistol rug.

 

[Ron Smith]

Geo, Actually he did send it in a padded hard case. I forgot about that.
Ron

 

[CBrown]

Agree not Reichsrevolver conversion.