[lugerholsterrepair]

Mark, I think it is too old for a P.38 and all of the P.38 layards I have seen are made of fabric with leather ties.

Your speculation could be correct but you have to realize these lanyards might have been for whatever the originator wanted it for. There were civilian lanyards and military issue. Even though we have been able to establish the military issue of Luger lanyards in WW1 and P-38 lanyards in WW2 there were undoubtably many lanyards made on the private market for the multitude of pistols that had a lanyard loop. The list must be large.
This one does not fit the standard military Luger lanyard so in my opinion it is a privately made piece. Could be the round cord and keepers were original military issue...I do not believe the weaving or the swivel are.
The round leather cord was a pretty common piece of leather at the turn of the century. It is virtually identical to the drive line on sewing machines.

Tom brings up an interesting subject..The Portugese lanyard. I have studied lanyards for over ten years now and I cannot find evidence that the Portugese lanyard existed in a different form than the standard German Military of WW1. If it exists at all. I have never seen one in a period photo or seen one in any photo or in person to make me believe I was looking at a genuine Portugese lanyard. I would dearly love to have any information anyone may have on this elusive subject.

John, if you can find the time I would like to see the lanyard Patrick sent you! Jerry Burney