mlm

The WW1 LP08 ("artillery" is a slang term applied by collectors because artillery unit personnel were thought to use these lugers) holsters had two "lanyards" that kept the lid closed. That is probably where the confusion is arising. One strap comes up from the body of the holster and the other comes from the board stock (or the rear--I have no holster here to check for sure). The rear strap had the stud and the front strap slipped over the stud. The back of the holster sounds like it was modified for belt loops--it originally was set up for a neck strap and you should be able to see the holes for this on back between the belt loops.


Some holsters were blackened, it is believed (Still--Imperial Lugers) by a 1916 German military order. I have seen other holsters blackened, it seems, by shoe polish or other collectors trying to make the holster pretty.


The front strap (lanyard) is relatively easy to replace and repair. The belt loops are difficult to return to original configuration (though not impossible).


Your holster might be one of many modified after WW2 for use as a belt holster.


dave