Need Bulgarian Cleaning Rod Info

[Ron Wood]

Does anyone know what type of cleaning rod this Bulgarian holster would have?

[Imperial Arms]

Hello Ron,

I would recommend a 1906 commercial cleaning rod with the grease reservoir. That is one special Bulgarian holster with the two magazine slots which I hope belongs to you. Does the holster fit a M1900/06 Bulgarian pistol (with a 4 3/4" barrel)? If so, just keep it warm for me!!

Cheers,
Albert

[Ron Wood]

Albert,
I suspect a 1906 commercial rod would fit, but what I really was asking is what rod "should" it have to be correct.
It is a great high-quality holster and the only Bulgarian that I have ever seen that is maker marked. However, it is for a 4" 1908 or a 1906 that was rebarreled to 9mm. It is in pretty nice shape but does need a little TLC. It has been flattened out a bit so I will need to re-block it back into shape, needs the missing upper closure strap replaced, and I will need to repair some of the stitching (or have Jerry do it if he has time). Still in all, it is pretty unique and will be worth the effort. Perhaps someday I can post before and after pictures.

[Imperial Arms]

Ron,

If my recommendation for a 1906 commercial rod is still suspect, I wonder if it could be a brass cleaning with an oval ring. Initially, I mentioned a 1906 commercial rod because of the 'ears' on the side of closure flap.

In regards to the upper closure strap which is missing, maybe it would be an idea to buy an average condition Bulgarian holster for parts and replace the fastening strap with the same type of leather. You can probably pick up a suitable holster on eBay for $40 and let Jerry do his 'magic' on your holster.

I look forward to the after photos in the near future.

Cheers,
Albert

[Lugerdoc]

Ron, Certainly an odd pattern for a Bulgarian holster. What makes you think that it is? If the marking are in cyrilic script, it could be Russian or of some other origin. I seriously doubt that the early DWM oiler type rod would fit this rig and allow the cleaning rod flap to close completely. I lean toward the flatter circular loop type rod, that was designed for some other pistol. TH

[Ron Wood]

It is an odd pattern for any Luger holster! I am not dead certain it is Bulgarian, but I bought it from Bulgaria and it has the Bulgarian rampant lion symbol in the maker's mark. The full flap design is also very typical of Bulgarian holsters. I will continue to pursue its origin, but by the evidence so far, I'm considering it Bulgarian.
Thanks to both of you for your opinions on the cleaning rod. Once I am satisfied that the leather is sound enough (and I think it is), I will try a couple of cleaning rods and see what might fit. Eventually I hope I will be able to track down a source that can identify the holster and the proper tools.

[Lugerdoc]

Ron, Thanks for posting the maker's mark. I agree that it is probably Bulgarian, but a style that I hadn't seen before. It's a good feeling when we run into something different. TH

[regul]

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Ron Wood:
<strong>It is an odd pattern for any Luger holster! I am not dead certain it is Bulgarian, but I bought it from Bulgaria and it has the Bulgarian rampant lion symbol in the maker's mark. The full flap design is also very typical of Bulgarian holsters. I will continue to pursue its origin, but by the evidence so far, I'm considering it Bulgarian.
Thanks to both of you for your opinions on the cleaning rod. Once I am satisfied that the leather is sound enough (and I think it is), I will try a couple of cleaning rods and see what might fit. Eventually I hope I will be able to track down a source that can identify the holster and the proper tools.

</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Hello Mr.Wood
I don't know if this will help any, but there is a partial picture of this type Bulgarian holster on page 107 of "Luger, The Multi-National Pistol" by Mr.Keynon,Jr.
Ed

[Ron Wood]

Ed
By golly, you're right!! Thank you for your sharp eyes! That verifies the holster identification. Unfortunately I still need to continue my search for the proper type tools. Maybe Kenyon knows...I'll have to check.
Thanks again,
Ron

[Navy]

I have a Bulgarian rod and mag pouch combo; it is very unusual in that it has the lube drum handle, but the tip of the rod (jag) is a screw off/on variety. Bought it in Sofia years ago at a flea market.

Tom A.

[Ron Wood]

Tom,
I know posting pictures on the forum is not one of your favorite subjects, but perhaps when you have time you might email me a coupel of pics at rwood1@elp.rr.com
Thanks
Ron

[Russ]

Tom and Ron
I would be intested is seeing a photo. Could you post it on the forum Ron?

Thanks Russ <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

[Navy]

Guys,

I have almost zero photo skills and have very little time for the sleep, eating and excretion for next week or so.

Somebody remind me in 2 weeks and I will try to send to someone pix that they can post here.
TA

[Ron Wood]

Thanks Tom, you are on my calendar for two weeks hence. In the meantime, get some sleep and try to accommodate those other two functions.

[Ron Wood]

Well, two weeks have elapsed and true to his word Tom has provided excellent pictures of the double magazine pouch and cleaning rod. If you compare his pictures with the picture of the holster I posted, you can see the remarkable similarity.

I also must publicly express my gratitude to Tom, as he has most graciously agreed to allow the pouch and rod to be added to my collection. Thanks a million Tom!

[Navy]

Ron, et al..

We are all in this together. As with the Navy Cabal, if we COLLECTORS work together, we all mutually benefit.

Cheers and here's to you Ron!

Tom A.

[Pete Ebbink]

Ron/Tom,

Does this unique accessory pouch have belt loops or other method of attachment/carry along its back side ?

Might one of you have a rear photo...?

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />

[Navy]

Pete,

It has very thin belt loops abeam the long axis of the rod pocket and opposite mag pouch. I did not photo the reverse side as there are no markings present, merely roughout leather.

This is the only one of these I have ever seen, and it is not in any of the books. As I purchased it in a flea market in Sophia at a pittance, I have no doubt that it is an original "something or other"; I speculate it is a piece for a police officer but that is *only* speculation and it is based on the fact that the mag pockets are "topless", which is more characteristic of police than military. In any event, it is off to Ron's El Paso abode to join a distant cousin.

Tom A.

[Ron Wood]

The accessory pouch and cleaning rod arrived! The pouch is as I had guessed. It has been cut down from a holster identical to mine. The belt loops are slits in the leather and the right loop still bears the stitch marks where the magazine and rod pouches were sewn to the rest of the holster. However, the rod is the real story. It is in great condition and right as rain. I am one happy camper! My heartfelt thanks to Tom. I now have a 1908 Bulgarian rig to knock your socks off! I still need to restore the stitching on the holster, clean it up and block it back out to original configuration. But Wow, how lucky can you get!!

[Pete Ebbink]

Thanks Ron & Tom for the informative update. Curious way to make an accessory pouch...

Regards,

Pete... <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" />