World War I Holsters with byf Luger

J. L. Lyon · 07-13-2002, 01:07 PM

I recently acquired a byf 41 Luger. Seller had an officer's belt and holster that he claims came with the pistol when it was acquired by a relative during WW II. The holster was made in 1915. It has been dyed black. Did the German Army put some WW I holsters into service for WW II? Or is this more likely a post war dye job because someone didn't like the brown color?

Doubs · 07-13-2002, 01:34 PM

JL, if what I've read in the past is true, many holsters of WW1 vintage were used during WW2. Some were dyed black just as your holster has been while some remained the original brown color of WW1 issue. I'm sure there are collectors on this forum who can give you more definitive information but unless you have some other reason to suspect forgery, your holster is likely authentic.

Orv Reichert · 07-13-2002, 01:51 PM

Good used equipment was issued by the supply people without any hesitation.

You don't think they would throw away a good holster or mag because it was not made the same time as the gun, do you?

Orv Reichert

<img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" />

bradsimpson · 07-13-2002, 07:11 PM

J.L.
Over many years of buying Lugers fresh from vets, I've about seen it all. WWI guns, holsters, stocks, snail drums, etc. were brought back from WWII. A WWII gun in a WWI holster (or vice versa) is very common. I can't remember ever buying a fresh WWII Luger from a vet in the same year holster. Even when they still have the matching mags, the holsters are always a year off or more.

I've seen WWII Mausers brought back with Artillery stocks & snail drums. The Germans used whatever was available. Your WWII Luger in a WWI holster is what that vet brought back & I'm sure thats the way he got it off the German that was carrying it.

Edward Tinker · 07-14-2002, 12:26 PM

Very interesting Brad!

We had this discussion, but your perspective on the buying end is GREAT!

I still will put my 40 in a 40, but from now on, I will consider what you said and be practical!

I was in the Army (US [img]biggrin.gif[/img] ) for 20 years and what you say is how I saw it, the armorer or the supply Sergeant wants to issue you a gun and holster, usually by different people. They give you what they have and don't care what you want (this isn't meant as bad, just practical!!).

ed

07-13-2002, 01:07 PM	#1
J. L. Lyon User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Salt Lake City Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	World War I Holsters with byf Luger I recently acquired a byf 41 Luger. Seller had an officer's belt and holster that he claims came with the pistol when it was acquired by a relative during WW II. The holster was made in 1915. It has been dyed black. Did the German Army put some WW I holsters into service for WW II? Or is this more likely a post war dye job because someone didn't like the brown color? __________________ J.L.Lyon

07-13-2002, 01:51 PM	#3
Orv Reichert RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SW Washington State Posts: 339 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Good used equipment was issued by the supply people without any hesitation. You don't think they would throw away a good holster or mag because it was not made the same time as the gun, do you? Orv Reichert <img src="graemlins/soapbox.gif" border="0" alt="[soapbox]" /> __________________ ORVEL L. "ORV" REICHERT

07-14-2002, 12:26 PM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Very interesting Brad! We had this discussion, but your perspective on the buying end is GREAT! I still will put my 40 in a 40, but from now on, I will consider what you said and be practical! I was in the Army (US [img]biggrin.gif[/img] ) for 20 years and what you say is how I saw it, the armorer or the supply Sergeant wants to issue you a gun and holster, usually by different people. They give you what they have and don't care what you want (this isn't meant as bad, just practical!!). 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

07-13-2002, 01:34 PM	#2
Doubs User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Byron, Georgia Posts: 1,670 Thanks: 769 Thanked 1,611 Times in 525 Posts	JL, if what I've read in the past is true, many holsters of WW1 vintage were used during WW2. Some were dyed black just as your holster has been while some remained the original brown color of WW1 issue. I'm sure there are collectors on this forum who can give you more definitive information but unless you have some other reason to suspect forgery, your holster is likely authentic.

07-13-2002, 07:11 PM	#4
bradsimpson User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Galesburg, IL Posts: 135 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 9 Posts	J.L. Over many years of buying Lugers fresh from vets, I've about seen it all. WWI guns, holsters, stocks, snail drums, etc. were brought back from WWII. A WWII gun in a WWI holster (or vice versa) is very common. I can't remember ever buying a fresh WWII Luger from a vet in the same year holster. Even when they still have the matching mags, the holsters are always a year off or more. I've seen WWII Mausers brought back with Artillery stocks & snail drums. The Germans used whatever was available. Your WWII Luger in a WWI holster is what that vet brought back & I'm sure thats the way he got it off the German that was carrying it.