1916 Holster
 

Just wanted the 'experts' opnion of this holster. Is it in Good, Fair or Poor condition for it's age. Oh yeah, it has the tool with it. Cant tell if it's a repo or orig (the tool). Here are some photos (I hope)

http://forums.lugerforum.com/lfupload/hlsrstamp.jpg
http://forums.lugerforum.com/lfupload/hlstrback.jpg
http://forums.lugerforum.com/lfupload/insideh.jpg
http://forums.lugerforum.com/lfupload/hlstrclosed.jpg

Bob,

You have an old war horse that has been rode hard and not taken care of properly. The Closing strap is a replacement and the lifting strap appears to also be a replacement. Having said that, they both appear to be W.W.II or earlier fixes. The thing that bothers me is the piece appears to be very, very dry; not to mention the "chew toy" complexion of the exterior.

If I were you, I'd send it to the lugerledermeister Jerry Burney and throw your self on his mercy. Won't be cheap but it will be damn good and if you aren't satisfied with his work, send me the bill.

Tom A.

Bob, Well, Here's one that sort of breaks your heart. The body is pretty decent. The top looks cracked and dry as Tom says. Might be the thread is dry rotted. Hard to tell without a tug or two here or there. The idiot who installed the closure strap didn't use the old holes so that may never be restored quite properly. Looks like a parachute rigger did that one. The pull-up strap is deffinately by the same guy. Too wide for the slot. Riveted instead of a tied knot at the end. Wrong leather.
Hard to tell if this one could be improved enough to justify the cost of restoration. At one time this was once a fine example of turn of the Century German craftsmanship and if treated and stored properly would be a proud addition to a collection, but sadly it wound up in the shape we see it.
Tom, Thanks for the vote of confidence...someday someone is going to take you up on it...Jerry Burney

I appreciate the honest replies. I had no idea what was expected from leather goods from that era.

Thanks