Krieghoff Luger holster - What are these holes?
 

I just bought a Krieghoff holster and for the second time I've see a square pattern of four round impressions between the belt loops. They look like plugged holes. Anyone seen these before or know what they are for?

Hi Mark, At the end of WWII the Germans left a lot of military equipment in Norway. The Norwegians adapted the Luger holsters for the GI belt clip, hence the holes. The belt loops on your holster are replacements.
Regards, Norm

Thanks Norm. Any info on why four holes instead of just two or who might have plugged the holes (they are well done.)? Thanks very much for the info.

Hi Mark, I don't know why 4 holes instead of 2, maybe the Norwegians used a different clip? Quite a few of these reconverted holsters have been showing up on Ebay in the last year or so, they all have 4 plugged holes. I don't know what the effect on value is, but it's not positive.
Regards, Norm

Four rivet leather foundation upon which to stabilize the US GI Bail (hooks) attachment.

So these were rivet holes to mount a piece of leather containing the US GI wire bail, right?

I suspect the value of these holsters are somewhat less than an unmodified holster in like condition. But considering the rarity of Krieghoff holsters it shouldn't devalue them very much. IMO

Correct

I took mine to compare. The most striking is the white thread on the rear straps, they should be black all over. The stitching looks good and tight! Are there any Krieghoff proofs inside? To make it correct I would use Jerry Burney to restich the rear straps to black~ Eric

Yes, the Kreighoff eagle/2 proof is stamped into the inside of the holster. May I ask; what is Jerry Burney? Thanks

Most of these were either restored by Frank ? in NY, or by Charlie Justmann after Frank passed. TH

Jerry Burney is (lugerholsterrepair) on this forum. He is the best at repairing holsters correctly. You will not be disappointed. Bill

Heres A Pretty One!
 

Note the Kriegoff marking~

This illustrates the Norwegian conversion.

Thanks to everyone for the great info! What a great tool this is for the education and enlightenment of Luger collectors! How do I go about getting a message to Jerry Burney? Thanks again.

I sent an email to Jerry I'm sure he will be in touch

Mark, Took a look at your holster..Thanks Eric! Thanks Bill! These conversions do not do any favors for rare holsters..I have a Krieghoff holster myself that has suffered the same fate. One without this conversion could be VERY valuable..some thousands. With the conversion..a lot less. Your belt loops don't look that terrible. They are not stitched quite as good as they were originally, and I can't tell how thick they are. But whoever did them didn't completely muck up the job. These holsters were made with black thread..To keep from spending some money..since it's been converted..you may want to consider just blackening the white thread?

Would black shoe polish and a q-tip do the trick?

Black leather dye and a Q tip. Bill

Anyone know what a mid to late war Krieghoff holster should look like? I've been told they won't look as fine as the early contract holsters. I was told that the Krieghoff factory was scraping the barrel for leather scraps by this time (44/45) and that the holsters had mixed leathers; for example smooth leather outside/pebble grain on the inside. Does anyone have info or photos? All help is greatly appreciated!

I don't believe Krieghoff holsters suffered at any time. They are the finest and had to pass inspection prior to applying the proof below. Every thing was first class and the continued up until today. There high standards are its' reason. Its amazing they were produced as late as 1945 in wartime! The book below is the Bible~~Eric

I have Gibson's book on the Krieghoff Luger. Unfortunately it's a little thin on holster info. A great resource nevertheless. Thanks for the reference.

Since, very, very few 1944 and 1945 Krieghoffs were made, I doubt very many, if any holsters were matched up to them.

I assume that Krieghoff did not make the holsters, but had them farmed out and simply 'approved' them for issue... IMHO

My first was dated to the gun, 1937 but is was average. George Anderson found me this undated, the nicest I have ever seen with the proof that is probobly an inspection stamp! Perfect to go with my Kreegy Gem! Eric