The "elusive" Luger Lanyard

[Patrick]

ust to put forward the other side of the lanyard discussion, it would seem that Luger lanyards really were issued.


Hans Reckendorf: Taschen und Tragweisen (Holsters etc) page 56 (translated summary): Cavalry units were issued with revolver lanyards towards the end of the 19th century. After the Luger was introduced, no specific standard lanyard was issued until Army Order dated 09.11.1935 was published. A further Order dated 05.07.1941 specified different lanyards for the P 08 and the P 38.


Jan Still: Weimar and Early Nazi Lugers (Appendix D, page 307 - Notes from Prussian Weapons Manuals): quotes a â??Clothing Regulationâ?� dated 31.1.1932: Pilstol Lanyards for Mounted Officers only - blackened leather 4mm thick and 160cm long with nickled carbine hook. Two further regulations stipulated lanyards in Saxony and for Nazi Police.


Joachim Goertz : Die Pistole 08, 2nd Edition, page 250: copies of two orders 539 dated 22nd November 1935 and 619 dated 15th July 1941 stipulating lanyards for the P 08 and P 38 as well as a photo of the P 38 lanyard and holster and a makeshift lanyard for the Luger.


Eugene J. Bender: Luger Holsters etc. page 250: photo of a flat leather strap lanyard


The round bootlace type Portuguese lanyard with a short attachment strap and button could have been based on an original German lanyard.


No Wa-stamped lanyards have been offered for inspection to any of these authors. BUT a simple leather strap with a loop or a hook would most likely have been put to some other use after the war and they then just disappeared (the round bootlace lanyards were often used as a belt drive for sewing machines).