1900 Commercial Holster?
 

I've owned this holster for a while but have never seen an other one exactly like it. It came with my 1900 Commercial Luger and is similar to a P08 holster in some ways but the main points of difference are...
*from top to toe is about 10mm more than a P08 holster
*the stitching is much closer spacing than a P08
*the lifting strap and finger grip are wider
*there is a tool pouch and another loop inside the lid
*the belt loops are spaced closer together
The holster is well made and seems old but has no markings at all. Is it an early Commercial model? I would be most interested to hear any comments from the forum members.

Mark, that is what I would call it. With the rod holder, I would think it is a bit later than turn of the century, possibly the 1920 or so era. Jerry or Geo may have some input on this one. They probably can nail down when this holder first started showing up. It is a nice looking holster. Thanks for sharing with the group, John

It looks like the typical commercial holster made by AKaH (Albrecht Kind aus Hunstig, a German holster maker and dealer since 1853) from the 1920th.

It seems that some were issued to the Army. This one has a Luftwaffen stamp.

Yes, I've seen them unmarked, and also marked with "eagle/2" as well, just above the closure stud.

Matt:cool:

Thanks for the photos Klaus and Matt.
Very similar to my holster for sure. Apart from the colour the only obvious difference is the absence of the line of stitching below the belt loops.
Do your holsters have the same tool arrangement inside the lid?
Mark

one has one not...

That "line" of stitching holds the lift strap in place; in one case it is stitched separately, in the other it is stitched as the front belt loop is stitched.

I would think an "improvement" to reduce handling steps in production.

Don,
Yes I see what you mean and that had not occurred to me before.
Perhaps I should have said "the line of stitching across the back panel, about 10mm down from the belt loops". That's the stitching I was referring to and it is present on Klaus's second example. Thanks.
Mark

Hi Mark,
The "horizontal line of stitching across the back panel" that you refer to secures the lower edge of the interior liner of the back panel. It was mandated on military holsters very late in 1918, too late to appear on WW1 military holsters, at least I've never come across one with this feature. It is a convenient way to date holsters, those with the line are post-war, as Klaus meant when he said "from the 1920th".
Regards, Norm

Yes,
I "assumed" you meant the partial "short" line above and behind the front loop.

Norm explained the lower row of stitching.

Well, I'm pleased that I posted my holster on the forum. I've learned some interesting facts, seen some pictures of similar holsters and you know, that's how the forum works for us.
Many thanks to all who have contributed.