1915 LP-08 Rig with Pigskin Holster
 

In the next Rock Island Auction there is a 1915 LP-08 rig with an early pigskin holster made by MARS (?), Berlin in 1915. I would like to receive the comments of the Artillery experts in regards to the strap which appears to be cow leather. Was it considered normal for the maker to mix a pigskin holster with a cow leather strap?

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Cheers,
Albert

P.S. Unfortunately, the stock of this rig is mismatched.

Albert, I own two such Mars holsters. They are not pig skin but rather pebble grained cow hide. One of my Mars holsters came from England and is modified to belt wear, the other is as originally made. The latter came with a matched 1917 rig and a standard strap as illustrated above. Both of mine are dated 1915. My future widow will be interested in the results of this auction.

Geo,

Have a pal that is looking for a nice Arty Holster; pls contact me off list so I can hook you guys up.

Tom A.

George,

Based on the image above, is that holster actually made of pebble grained cow hide? If so, what was the purpose/reason of making the leather pebble grain, and how did the maker create this pebble grain effect on the leather?

I am sure that you will live long enough to receive the results of the auction and allow you to share/record the information with your wife!! It sounds like you are very much in love with your collection to leave all the fortune of your collection to your widow! Maybe you can time your health in such a way that you do not leave the troubles of selling your collection to your widow.

Cheers,
Albert

Hi Albert,

It even looks like two (2) different patterns of pebble-grain stamping was used on this piece.

I would guess the "grain" is embossed on the full sheet(s) of leather before they are cut into pieces for the assembly of the holster...probably with a high pressure pressing machine of some sort.

Maybe the pebbel grain gives better "grip" when handling the holster with wet/damp hands...sort of like the USA footballs (not soccer balls)...

Or maybe the graining effect jusy makes for a piece that is more attractive to look at...

Regards,

Pete...

It doesn't surprise me at all that the strap is cow hide, which is much stronger and more durable than pigskin.

Wow! Where's my rich Uncle when I need him?

Ron

If my memory serves me right, Mauro posted that he had a pebble finish Mars 1915 holster. I think that he said that was quite rare and valuable. I have a 1916 'MARS' but its not pebble grain.
Big Norm

When leather is cut into layers the split off layers called...splits....have no grain, and so are most often embossed with one. the type of grain embossed above would be chosen because it is proportionate to the article to be fashioned from the finished work, would be smooth around the curves and yes, gripable. and looks cool.
there is probably some historical gun-thing about it i don't know about, my explanation is just about leather in general.
susan

Susan,Always interesting to know something more about the why's of leather.

Say, Maybe you could help me being in the leather business and all. I am looking for some new dye suppliers besides Fiebings...Got any suggestions? Thanks, Jerry Burney

Jerry, please see email. susan

Thanks Susan, I appreciate your input. Jerry Burney

Jerry, I am sending the map case for your use. Please study the boot/straps on the above pictured rig, I'd like for you knock off a copy using what's left of the map case.

George, Thank you! I appreciate it.
I will be happy to make you a boot and keeper strap with the pebble grain leather if the pebble grain you are sending prooves to be of the proper thickness for the project.
I do not particularly like the keeper tab on this rig. The one that keeps the boot from sliding off the strap. It seems to be an odd shape and quite thin. I would prefer to make it in the classic German style. I have never seen one like this.
I am also thinking you want brass rivets and washers? Not steel....Let me know. Thanks, Jerry

lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net

Hello Albert,
I really think that this rig is very interesting. As already underlined in the previous comments, the holster (I have a 1915 Mars holster like this one, see picture attached and also several photos in my web site) is not pigskin made but rather pebble grained cowhide. I would like to highlight that this kind of rig is â??not officialâ?� therefore there are not fixed rules. To me, the fact that the strap is made with â??simpleâ?� cow leather instead of â??pebble grainedâ?� one is not a problem at all. Where are other Mars rigs with â??pebble grainedâ?� strap?
To me, the main topic is why in 1915 there are â??not officialâ?� holsters like Mars pebble grained holster and Huber pigskin holster (see my web site to see pictures of both holsters).
Why German army in 1915 bought this kind of holsters, very different from the official one?
I guess that this is an interesting field of research. For people that have a copy of my book, I have analyzed this topic at pages 30...32 and 50...54.
Ciao
Mauro
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George, Don't worry about the leather thickness for the boot, I have figured out a way to solve that if it becomes a problem. Jerry Burney

Jerry
the rivets and washers were mostly copper made,not brass.

Paolo, I agree to some extent. I have seen them made from many different metals, even a mix..copper rivets and brass washers. Later Artillery rigs were made of steel. Earlier rigs were not metal at all but stitched where later rivets were used.
When making a replica I try to be as accurate as possible within reason. I use all solid hand made parts I make myself and hand hammer the rivets just as the Germans did. The Artillery boots I make are double thick leather and hand stitched with linen thread.
I believe they are the most authentic and accurate Artillery boots made anywhere in the World today.
I try to confer with my clients about their preferences but stay within authentic parameters.

Paolo, Thanks for the information! Jerry Burney

Can I do a "show & tell" on the puller upper leather you made for me Saturday Jerry?

It is a cute, but I think a nice enough item you should be selling nationwide!

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Ed

Jerry, when Ed Sayre was making LP08 leather, he made boots with the red parchment lining. Are you familiar with this? I have one of his boots as well as a few originals that still have the red lining.

George, Yes, I am familiar with the lining employed in original German Artillery boots. I have tried to determine exactly what it was made of and have not found an original example with enough of it left to find out. Main problem with this is, what and where does one get some of the proper material and color?
Even though it was used on originals I think it was one of the ideas that was extreme overkill.
The inside of a boot properly made is soft as butter and certainly would not damage the stock or stock iron. Most of the original examples I have seen, the material was worn to shreds.
Seems like the material would not last long and might even be detrimental as it would retain moisture.
Would like to hear anyone's opinion here or if anyone knows exactly what this material is please let me know.

Ed, If you are willing go ahead. I am not anxious to produce these on a grand scale as I am too busy with holster repairs and other projects.
It was just an interesting little oddity I made for you while you were here as a token gift as you expressed an interest to know how I made my steel studs and hand hammered them on.

Jerry Burney

Yes Ed, please show us the "ineresting little oddity" that Jerry made for you...

I will be glad to show pictures, just don't want to inundate Jerry! Once I am back to colorado land! I am traveling, we hopefully see Ron Smith on Wednesday night and maybe Russ too!

Jerry, I knew you had plenty of work, and although "easy" enough to make, from hand, he cut leather, MADE a steel stud, and put them together as a leather pull that attaches to the lanyard ring on the back of the pistol. I was impressed and appreciate it. :)

Ed

Ed, Don't worry about me, I am already inundated!

Say hello to Ron and Russ for me! Jerry