Otto Sindel holster

[Olle]

Originally Posted by lugerholsterrepair

Olle, Yes, I understand completely. Most people who know me know that I tell it like I see it. I have no reason not to. Like a scientist I look for details that will lead me to answers. If I am wrong I will be the first to say so. As painful as the process is..it's what we have. Thanks for your help..like you say, a hands on inspection is always better but often enough pictures work. I think back not too long ago actually and this kind of discourse would have been impossible or take months!

Getting a good shot of the inside will be a bugger..all I really need is a clear shot of ONE stitching area. I want to see how the stitching has been done. Way before 1941 the German Saddlers left the stitching lay flat on the surface. Pounded flat after installation it was fairly safe from chafing. Later they went to gouging a line to bury the stitching somewhat..keeping it away from damage. Then they went all the way and the belt loop stitching was completely hidden away under a slit in the front panel. I would expect by 1941 the stitching to be completely hidden..but I see some in one photo you posted. A closer look will confirm.

Jerry,

I sure don't have a problem with an open discussion. I usually call a spade a spade, don't know how many times I have been it trouble for it. Have even lost a few good jobs because of it.

So before we resort to a C-14 test, here's a couple of shots showing the top seams of the belt straps. I can't see that they have been pounded flat, but the ends of the threads are hidden, the stitching is tight and you can't feel much of it when you run your finger across the seams.

There is actually one thing that bothers me about the idea of this being a reproduction (or fake, if you will)... The whole idea of a reproduction is to produce something that resembles the original, but at a fraction of the cost. I'm fully aware of the low labor cost in the far east, but how much would it cost to reproduce something like this and at this level? You would have to do a lot of research, then get the right kind of leather, the right weight, color and quality, reproduce the hardware etc, etc and that all adds up very quickly. Factor in the shipping, middle man cost, marketing etc, and it leaves you wondering if it really makes sense to make a no holds barred reproduction of this kind of holster. The fakers usually go for the big bucks, so this feels like faking $1 bills.