All looks good to me, even the holster with a replaced closure strap. Tom

Yes..IMO the strap on there now was replicated by a shoe repairman from the old broken one he had for a reference. The small thin black thread and type of stitching is that of a shoe repair shop. It's possible the holster is original..the ears over the cleaning rod are stitched properly and many of the small nuances lead me to believe it is correct. The only oddity that would lead me astray is the dark color under the top lid..One needs to see the back for more clues. it is a little difficult to access it because of the intracacies of the carry strap holding it close to the stock and most people don't want to undo it.
Usually when all the attaching leather is original and proper it is more likely than not to see an original holster with it. Not always but..
I am still confused about the serial # being found stamped into the wood where normally a military acceptance marking, a Crown S is found..

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to look at the holster and provide input. I really appreciate it. I have no idea how to remove the stock from the holster and since it's not mine I don't want to experiment. If there are other pictures that would help please let me know.

Ken
My suggestion for this holster is send it to Jerry Burney to replace the closing strap and anything else it might need. Thanks for the pics of the inside of the closing strap. For my money it's original with the exception of the closing strap and whatever on the back. Bill

Thanks Bill that a great idea I'm going to pass that on to the owner.

The completely stitched edge of the closure strap, (as if it were made from two pieces of leather sewn together) and the sloppy stitching so far from the edges of the tool pouch are huge red flags for me.

i like side-by-side comparisons visually! (click on the picture for larger view) :cheers:

We have all agreed that the closing strap and probably the keeper were replaced. The stitching in the above photos shows where the original one was stitched. The question, is the rest of the holster, at least the visible part, original ? As I said in my first post I feel it is original with some poorly replaced parts. Those who feel it is a reproduction or a fake please explain why. I am open to anything just forget the closing strap. As for the dark inside I have seen holsters where people thought they would look better if dyed . Interesting thread. Bill

wow, some conflicting opinions here - my first thought was that it is original, but I have been wrong many times looking at pictures of holsters ;)

And that is my main point is that in person you can feel the leather, smell it, see its flaws and repairs, etc

:cheers:

More Pics
 

The strap and the small piece that the strap goes through have been replaced I have included a picture of the back of the flap where the small piece has been resewn. I also included pics of the cleaning rod and tool please let me know your thoughts on these items

Sorry pics didn't go in previous post
 

Pics

Tool and rod seem to be correct but there are some things wrong with the stock.
As Jerry already mentioned should the crown acceptance mark (C/S for a 1917 DWM LP08) on the wood and not the weapon number. The numbers on the attaching iron should look like the numbers on the wood (with serifs).
I think someone tried to match a Finnish stock with the LP08.
What´s about the strap- as far I can see is ok but....
Regards
Klaus