1913 Eckart
 

Now that I've finally figured out how to send pics, (only took my addled brain a month), would still like to get an opinion on whether it is best to have the missing strap pull through loop replaced on the flap of this 1913 Eckart police conversion or if it would be best just to leave well enough alone. Also, as it came with my police DMW/Krieghoff double date, I have no idea of its stand alone value, so would appreciate an approximation if possible. Hopefully, picture follows.

back holster

Hi Walt, Definitely! Jerry Burney could replace it and you could'nt tell it from orginal. Holsters are going nuts price wise. Yours would be in the $200 plus range. Just look for a forum member called" lugerholsterrepair ", that's Jerry.

Ron

I'd have it fixed by Jerry, he does a great job, although he's too cheap in his prices. :D Except for Ron, he charges full prices!!



Seriously, I think that the price / value is at least what ron said.

ed

Hi Walt,
just an observation as I am not an expert on holsters, but finding anything original before the war is getting rare. Production geared up after the war started so you see more 15, 16, 17 and 18 WWI's. I would up your value by at least $50 to $100, for a total of $250 - $300, just on the basis of it being 1913. I can remember just a few years ago when you could get a good holster for $100 now good ones seem to start at $250.

Just my two cents,
Bob M.

Thanks much, guys. See where Jerry is moving to AZ for a bit so will contact him in the near future and see what the charges will be to add a loop to this thing. Much appreciation.

Walt, Sorry I did not have time yesterday to respond to your inquiry.
You have a very nice Police conversion. The leather seems to be exceptional. Corlor is nice and all in all a beautiful holster. The hinge is in exceptional shape. Nice to see on a holster as old as this one.



I get asked often if I think a holster should be repaired. It is really up to you and your collecting style. Some people would not mind the missing closure tab or the stitching holes. Other types of collectors would prefer to have it back to it's original form and replace it if it could be done right.

The biggest mistake I see come through my leather shop is a repair made by a person who is unfamiliar with proper restoration and not only bungles the job but further damages the piece beyond proper repair such as a shoe repair shop.

This tab can be replicated, proper width and thickness, dyed the proper color and stitched on with linen thread just as German Saddlers would have done. This job would cost $15.00 plus return shipping.

Hope this helps, Jerry Burney

Jerry, I have an interesting one for you. It is a WW1 case for binoc's, some idiot pulled too hard in closing them and ripped the bottom tab off. I'll include a picture for you, lesson is, don't pull so darn hard, uh, I mean, ensure others don't pull so hard...

You got it, Jerry, and thanks much. Will get it off to you if a couple days to your AZ address. $15 will barely cover a pair of shoe laces today so price is well more then reasonable. Will send check for $25 to make sure return postage is covered.
Appreciate this big time,

Jerry,
Don't know why I had it in my head you had moved to Arizona. Guess I better send this thing to Colorado. On its way shortly.
Walt

Hi Walt,

I have had 2-3 holsters in Jerry's shop for repair...and he never disappoints.

Reading on the Luger Forum and on Jan Still's Gun Board, it seems that most luger collectors that strive for all original and not-messed with lugers do not seem to object to having excellent restoration work done on their leather...

Repaired, I think your holster would be a bargin at $ 270-300...it is a beauty !

Just received my Eckart back from Jerry. Couldn't be happier. Amazing what a little piece of leather can do in the hands of a craftsman. The color and thread are virtual matches to the original and looks like the repair was done at the factory. My great appreciation to you gentlemen who put me on to Jerry's work and another tip of the hat to Mr. Burney.

Walt, please post a photo of Jerry's repair work for all to see. He is a true craftsman... and his work deserves much more attention than it gets.

Have had I beleive 4 holsters repaired now by this fine gentleman. can't say enough about the fine quality repair work he does.

Jerry's repaired 1913 Eckart police conversion.

1913 Eckart police conversion holster and DMW/Krieghoff police. Perfect pair thanks to Jerry's craftsmanship.

Walt, Thanks for the great write up on my small repair! I do appreciate all of you and your input. It's always satisfying to be a part of restoring a historical piece. Even such a small repair as this one was!
Thanks to all for your trust and confidence. Jerry Burney