WW1 Vintage p08 holsters

berkmberk1 · 07-03-2014, 11:26 PM

When it comes to Luger leather from 100 years ago, it seems it is either in really good shape for its age and, therefore really pricey, OR, it has obvious damage/repairs/extreme wear, and therefore, only SORT OF pricey..

That being said, when it comes to collecting these accessories what would be the consensus opinion on on acquiring the latter? Quite frankly, I can't afford both a good firearm AND a primo holster, yet I want authenticity and not reproduction.

Have any of you folks ever opted for a beat up dog of an original holster?

Edward Tinker · 07-03-2014, 11:31 PM

sure I have - but I like them nicer

one thing to keep your eyes open for is a very nice one that has been GI cut / that is where they cut the inside down for a 'quicker' draw. I have had 3 or 4 like this over the years, very nice, but the price is very decent. Or a Norwegian modified holster, this is where the rear belt loops were replaced with a US GI hanger - although you don't see these as often as you used to.

Ed

berkmberk1 · 07-03-2014, 11:32 PM

I forgot to add..........I found one on a European site, 1916 with a maker's stamp from Kaiserslautern, but it has obviously been repaired at some point in it's life......some seams and the belt loops re-sewn, for around $200.

Since I'm new at this, and these items are not easy to come by, I thought I'd ask.

Edward Tinker · 07-03-2014, 11:34 PM

they are actually not that hard to find - just keep your eyes open - lots and lots on-line, ebay, Simpson's gun shows - but know what you are getting and don't buy a 'aged' repro

berkmberk1 · 07-03-2014, 11:41 PM

I've been reading up on fakes the last week or so, and now make it a point to look for loop stitching placement, patina, and the wear that SHOULD be there, such as the areas inside the holster where you would expect the weapon to rub on the leather. Quite frankly, many holsters look TOO good to be true!

Another I found in Germany was in better shape, and cheaper, 1917 vintage, but the guy won't ship outside Germany! Funny thing though.....when I read the questions asked him on eBay, the last question about shipping to the US was sent to him from someone on the other side of town!

lugerholsterrepair · 07-04-2014, 12:10 AM

Buy the best you can find..or afford. Good leather is worth the money. Keep looking..it's out there.

wlyon · 07-04-2014, 01:29 AM

If repairs are needed we have the best, Jerry Burney (Lugerholsterrepair). Since we have Jerry we can buy holsters that need repair or parts missing. Generally they are cheaper and when the Master gets through you will never know it has been fixed. Thanks Jerry !

07-03-2014, 11:26 PM	#1
berkmberk1 User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Springfield, IL Posts: 49 Thanks: 0 Thanked 21 Times in 4 Posts	WW1 Vintage p08 holsters When it comes to Luger leather from 100 years ago, it seems it is either in really good shape for its age and, therefore really pricey, OR, it has obvious damage/repairs/extreme wear, and therefore, only SORT OF pricey.. That being said, when it comes to collecting these accessories what would be the consensus opinion on on acquiring the latter? Quite frankly, I can't afford both a good firearm AND a primo holster, yet I want authenticity and not reproduction. Have any of you folks ever opted for a beat up dog of an original holster? __________________ Michael D. Berk SFC, USA Ret.

07-03-2014, 11:31 PM	#2
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,029 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	sure I have - but I like them nicer one thing to keep your eyes open for is a very nice one that has been GI cut / that is where they cut the inside down for a 'quicker' draw. I have had 3 or 4 like this over the years, very nice, but the price is very decent. Or a Norwegian modified holster, this is where the rear belt loops were replaced with a US GI hanger - although you don't see these as often as you used to. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

07-03-2014, 11:32 PM	#3
berkmberk1 User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Springfield, IL Posts: 49 Thanks: 0 Thanked 21 Times in 4 Posts	I forgot to add..........I found one on a European site, 1916 with a maker's stamp from Kaiserslautern, but it has obviously been repaired at some point in it's life......some seams and the belt loops re-sewn, for around $200. Since I'm new at this, and these items are not easy to come by, I thought I'd ask. __________________ Michael D. Berk SFC, USA Ret.

07-03-2014, 11:41 PM	#5
berkmberk1 User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Springfield, IL Posts: 49 Thanks: 0 Thanked 21 Times in 4 Posts	I've been reading up on fakes the last week or so, and now make it a point to look for loop stitching placement, patina, and the wear that SHOULD be there, such as the areas inside the holster where you would expect the weapon to rub on the leather. Quite frankly, many holsters look TOO good to be true! Another I found in Germany was in better shape, and cheaper, 1917 vintage, but the guy won't ship outside Germany! Funny thing though.....when I read the questions asked him on eBay, the last question about shipping to the US was sent to him from someone on the other side of town! __________________ Michael D. Berk SFC, USA Ret.

07-04-2014, 12:10 AM	#6
lugerholsterrepair Moderator Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona/Colorado Posts: 7,771 Thanks: 4,926 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,434 Posts	Buy the best you can find..or afford. Good leather is worth the money. Keep looking..it's out there. __________________ Jerry Burney 11491 S. Guadalupe Drive Yuma AZ 85367-6182 lugerholsterrepair@earthlink.net 928 342-7583 (CO & AZ) Year Round 719 207-3331 (cell) "For those who Fight For It, Life has a flavor the protected will never know."

07-03-2014, 11:34 PM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,929 Thanks: 2,029 Thanked 4,527 Times in 2,090 Posts	they are actually not that hard to find - just keep your eyes open - lots and lots on-line, ebay, Simpson's gun shows - but know what you are getting and don't buy a 'aged' repro

07-04-2014, 01:29 AM	#7
wlyon Lifer 2X Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Somewhere in Montana Posts: 2,633 Thanks: 3,173 Thanked 2,555 Times in 954 Posts	If repairs are needed we have the best, Jerry Burney (Lugerholsterrepair). Since we have Jerry we can buy holsters that need repair or parts missing. Generally they are cheaper and when the Master gets through you will never know it has been fixed. Thanks Jerry ! __________________ Bill Lyon