Fake or a really nice one?

[Edward Tinker]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...268334183&rd=1

I would say fake, the stitching is too white?

Not that it matters, but why does it have a P38 mag with it?

Ed

[Frank]

Ed, I agree with you. I'll wait until Jerry comments to make a complete decision. The inside of the belt straps appear to be "white", while the inside of the cover appears to be "yellow". Implies that the top cover is used, while the belt loops are new.

<img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

[John Sabato]

I guess the appropriate term would be "reproduction"...rather than fake... probably from CMR...

The leather is too "white" for the age to be correct. The holster would have had to be kept in a vacuum for it to have survived in this condition...

The P-38 mag, is likely to be ORIGINAL and worth more than the holster, but the bidding is WAY too high already... for a repro holster... the mag is probably worth about $30-40...

[Herb]

It might be legit, I think the seller got the WAa # incorrect, if it is WAa727 rather than 2727 then the rest of the stampings are correct for a 1940 issue by that manufacturer.

[lugerholsterrepair]

Gentlemen, This is as phoney as John Kerry's Silver Star.
You will notice the back belt loops, three things immediately jump out.
The loops should be canted, one higher than the other. They are not, perfectly level.
The stitching on the tops of them are way at the bottom. Genuine loops are not ever stitched this way. They are folded and too long, Hell even my Wife can spot things wrong with it!
The leather, as John and Frank so aptly indicate is way too white and new looking.
Immediately above the belt loops you will notice the top is attached by a seperate hinge...This was a WW1 method and would never be seen by 1940. A 1940 holster hinge would not be seperate but was incorporated into the back body as one piece.
There are so many things wrong with this I would have calloused fingers from typing it all up!
Herb, regardless of any markings you find on a holster, this is never the whole story. Look at the details of construction. Markings can be reproduced and even come custom ordered on Sarco holsters.
Take a close look and see what you can see...Jerry Burney

[Herb]

Jerry, I bow to your expertise, I really didn't take a good look at the construction and even if I had I wouldn't have known what to look for. I checked a reference for the stamping data and was able to find that manufacturer.

[lugerholsterrepair]

Herb, Well, I was like you when I first looked at this holster a couple of days ago. Just took a cursory look.
That's nothing! You might look up the Artillery rig that just went off, I think it went for around $1400.00 and it was as phoney as this one! This is the one that sold out of Germany. People are crazy to pay that kind of money for repro's. Just shows you, do your homework. Jerry Burney

[Lloyd in Nevada]

Jerry,

We are lucky/fortunate to have such a vintage holster expert as a member of this forum.. I know you can spot the signs of fakery or new reproduction but most of us have a very hard time. We are however, learning under you expert tutorship! Keep pointing this stuff out and I will keep making notes. Much appreciated!

[lugerholsterrepair]

Lloyd, Thanks for the pat on the back! It is not magic...Just an eye for detail that all of you can aquire if you look at original holsters with a sharp eye. That is where you learn.
Thanks for the encouragement Lloyd...Jerry Burney

[John Sabato]

Jerry, I have learned "volumes" from you in just five years! It is much appreciated and I share it whenever I can...

[Edward Tinker]

From e-bay, if the stitching looks too new, that is an automatic watch out! But, to really judge one, I need an expert, as some old holsters look new! I just don't want to pop down a huge amount of money unless I was sure it was worth it...

Ed

[Frank]

Ed, if there is any doubt, just ask Jerry. That's what I do. He has taught me a bunch, but just in case I miss something, he'll keep you honest!!!!

[Pete Ebbink]

What do you guys think about this one :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...267533614&rd=1

The word "Holster" in the back stampings strikes me as odd...

Regards,

Pete...

[Ron Wood]

Looks like "C HOLSTE & Co" to me. I'd give it a thumbs up.

[John Sabato]

Pete, I would shoot Jerry an email since the time is short, I may be wrong, but I have a feeling that this one is also not genuine... here are some things that bother me about it...

the leather appears a bit too "white" for it's age.

the belt loops look like they were not intended for the holster to cant, but to carry the gun with the barrel straight down (as indicated by Jerry above on the previous holster discussed in this thread.

the scuffs in some cases seem to have been intentional to make it look old...

The stamps look too crisp to be as old as the holster is supposed to be...

There seems to be an inordinate amount of oxidation on the tool pouch.. if so much condensation was present as to cause this, why is the rest of the holster not so affected?

On the positive side, the hinge appears to be the correct type... and overall I like the holster. I just think it is too much money for a reproduction... on the other hand... if I am wrong about this holster being a reproduction, then the asking price is a bargain! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

[lugerholsterrepair]

Ron is right on the money...John you don't win another hat!
Looks like "C HOLSTE & Co" to me. I'd give it a thumbs up.

The leather is beautiful. Representative of the German Holster makers art of the period. I imagine the white John is seeing is mold. The seller is in Seattle. Perhaps a rag or some other object was stored inside that would attract moisture or simply being inclosed might do it.

Belt loops canted at considerable different angles from time periods to manufacturers. Some more so than others.

The hinge is in excellent shape. The only fault I could find with this holster is the closure strap has one too many holes.

Scuffs seem normal to me and the Maker mark seems quite normal. If not in a place where it would be rubbed a stamping in leather will remain crisp and last as long as the leather itself.

The belt loops look excellent and are just what you should expect and look for.

Believe me...No one on this Planet would go to the trouble and expense of replicating a holster with this type of craftsmanship and quality. I wish they would. It would make many people unbelieveably happy.

This holster should bring between $300 and $400.

Jerry Burney

[John Sabato]

Oh Well Jerry!! Its back to the dunce stool for me I guess... but of course I covered by opinion with "if I am wrong about this holster being a reproduction, then the asking price is a bargain!" so I couldn't be held accountable either way Good Luck Pete!

and thanks Jerry for chiming in... and setting us straight. I wonder what climate controlled cubby hole this holster has been hiding in for the last 86 years!?!

[lugerholsterrepair]

John, Good way to cover both ends against the middle!

This holster and tool went cheap in my opinion.

$228.00 someone got a bargain.

Jerry Burney

[Pete Ebbink]

Hi Jerry,

I was sorry to see you did not get it. I thought it might be real but my "mis-read" on the word "Holster" lead me down the wrong road...

Regards,

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

[Edward Tinker]

I have noticed that holsters were stale in price for a couple of months, now they are going for a bit more, no a LOT more... I wonder how much this is because members of this forum have been talking about them going up in price and worth it, and...

I also noticed there is a couple of "newer" bidders on e-bay, who I am guessing just got into the hobby and are all excited! Buying like mad...

Ed