Holster Question for Jerry......

[lugerholsterrepair]

GT, Thanks for your inquiry...Believe it, there is a lot more to your question than you realize.

Both holsters are made quite a bit differently as you say. The magazine pouch is the heart of the Luger holster and as such, the two different era holsters differ in how this is built in. The WW2 model has the additional panel built into the back to support the Magazine pouch and this adds an extra line of stitching. A good idea but more work to put in place.

The WW1 era holster used a seperate hinge to connect the top to the body unlike the WW2 which went to a hinge incorporated into the back panel. If this back panel hinge cracks or breaks it is very troublesome to change as it is not a seperate piece that can be replaced easily.All Artillery's are of the ww1 style and the Imperial Navy has no hinge really but uses the top flap edge as a hinge.

There are pro's and cons to each I suppose but none of them are easy to work on. They require a great deal of time , patience and research as well as color matching.

I just finished making a complete set of Artillery leathers for a client , matched the leather color to the holster and fitted it to his holster and stock.I hand hammered the rivets for the boot and strap just as the Germans did. Hand stitched the double layers of the boot with linen thread. It was pure joy to see this all come together to complete what was was missing and make this rig complete.
I enjoy every stitch and I get to see many holsters other collectors only dream about having in their hands.

I guess I would have to say I prefer the WW1 era because of the great variety. Imperial Navy's, stocked Artillery's, Reichrevolver conversions, Carbine cases and the list goes on...Jerry Burney