Redhead artillery holster

[hgreer2]

First I collect the correct accessories for my Lugers, then I set out looking for the unusual. I ran accross this Redhead holster and I had never seen one before, so I had to have it. I know who made it, because my father was an avid hunter and he bought Redhead gear all his life, they were expensive but made extremely well as is this holster. Anyone that can add anything to what little I know, the info would be appreciated. Enjoy the pictures.

Thanks,
Harry

[wlyon]

Harry
That's a nice and well made commercial holster. American made commercial holsters for artilleries are not common. Bill

[lugerholsterrepair]

but it certainly wasn't made for a Luger.?

I have tried to think of what this holster might have been made for..There are few pistols made in the 1950's or now for that matter that are in 9mm and have an 8 inch barrel and I cannot think of even one other than an Artillery that would work..

The only reason I questioned the holsters application to an Artillery pistol was the fit of the hold down strap. It was a little loose in Harry's photo. That could be accounted for in that Redhead might not have paid too close attention to an extremely snug fit. The pistol simply falls into the holster and pulls away from the strap. Even most period shoulder holsters for the luger have some trouble in this area.

Harry makes a good point on the holster wear...

I think the most telling point is if not for an Artillery? What WAS it intended for?

Anyone out there happen to have a Redhead Leather Holster catalog? Or can think of an 8 inch barreled pistol in 9MM?

[omegaman]

I can't think of any 9mm pistols in that shape and barrel length. However the Ruger .22lr semi auto pistols were styled directly from the luger design, for shape and feel. So much so that many holsters for the Ruger, will also fit Lugers. The Ruger semi autos come in various long barrel lengths by special order. 8" would not be uncommon at all, and I've even seen them in 10" and 12".

I recently bought an enclosed shoulder holster on eBay that was made for a long barreled Ruger. It fits my Artillery Luger like a glove.

[lugerholsterrepair]

John, Yes..I had this conversation with Harry..Plenty of .22's would fit but the holster is clearly marked 9MM!

[hgreer2]

Let me offer a little photographic evidence. This holster was never used for anything but a luger, please notice the wear on the inside of the holster. The location where the toggle rested and the wear inflicted on the holster from the safety lever when the Luger was removed and put back.

Harry

[lugerholsterrepair]

Harry..From your photographic evidence I see an alrming condition under your front closure snap! Take a wooden toothpick/stiff toothbrush and try to remove as much of the verdegris from around that snap and anywhere else you find any. It is very corrosive to brass and rots leather.
It will actually grow to the point of pushing brass parts and stitching apart, ruining them!

[wlyon]

I still feel this was made for an artillery. I also wondered about the loose strap. Looking at some of my commercial holsters that have luger stamped on them, the closing strap is loose in a couple cases. Stamping US commercial luger holsters with cal and length was a very common identifier. Bill

[hgreer2]

Originally Posted by wlyon

I still feel this was made for an artillery. I also wondered about the loose strap. Looking at some of my commercial holsters that have luger stamped on them, the closing strap is loose in a couple cases. Stamping US commercial luger holsters with cal and length was a very common identifier. Bill

Thanks Bill, but I feel that this holster is the real deal. If anyone can prove me wrong, then I will tuck my tail between my legs and fade away.

Harry