Berlin 1917 Luger Holster
 

I just purchased a very nice "? Berlin 1917" brown holster. This thing is in awesome condition, my jaw hit the floor when I saw it with my own eyes for the first time. The only thing that is wrong with it is the pull out strap has been torn away at some point. I thought I got a pretty good deal on it for the condition it is in ($150.00 ). I've seen people paying a heck of alot more for the WWII holsters in the same condition or worse. However right now the WWII era seems to be more popular with collectors ....hence the high retail.

To get to my question, the stamp on the under side of the flap reads
"BERLIN N 1917" however right above this stamp if held in the right light you can make out a couple of other different letters that have worn away over the years. How many diffrent manufactures could be found in Berlin at that time frame? I have no idea what the other markings should say...any ideas?

Germany has so many leather producers of different military gear ie. chinstraps, holsters, etc. I wasn't sure if this would be a lost cause for figuring out the maker of my holster.

I know pictures would be useful, but after taking a few and looking at them, the quality isn't that good and would be a waste of time to post them. :grr:

Welder, It's probably a waste of time not to mention fruitless. If you cannot read anything it will be hard, nay, impossible to decipher the maker. There were dozens of makers, I would have to count the list to see how many Berlin makers but even if it were only two, if you can't read it you can't read it.
Sounds like you got a great bargain. Jerry Burney

Yes, that was my inital thoughts also, I just wasn't sure if there were only a couple of manufacuters from that time frame or many like you have stated. I appriciate the reply and I will examine the holster a little more to see what letters can be made out if any. Thanks Jerry.

Josh

Josh, Let me know if you come up with any letters. I have a list of a hundred German holster makers from WW1.

Dust it with a little talcum powder or corn starch to bring up the letters.

Jerry Burney

I'll give it a shot and let you know my findings...thanks