[lugerholsterrepair]

USMC, Marks alone will tell you nothing and might mislead you to believe it is something it may not be.

As Tom says the smell test is a good indicator but only one of many. As with any antiquity it is important to know what you are looking for. There are charecteristics that cannot be faked and you must know what these are to determine authenticity.

If you have access to Jan Still's wonderful books, there are four of them, you can take a good look at original holsters. Bender's book, Luger Holsters and Accesories will also show you some of the finer details. Look at both the front and the back. In particular the stitching patterns on the back.

Repro holsters are generally made with little attention to detail and after close inspection it will immediately become obvious that the details will be absent. The thread used on repro's is mostly cotton or synthetic. The Germans used only linen and it is corded if you look closely. The cotton will be fuzzy and the synthetic will be tight and shiney.

Often on repro holsters I have noticed the closure buckles are made of a smaller diameter wire than originals.

If you get a chance to hold an original in your hands look it over , inside and out. Vintage original holsters quality will stand out every time. Jerry Burney