West German use of the Luger

[Sgt. Steiner]

How common, and for what period of time did the West German Army / Police use the Luger pistol? Were holsters, mag pouches and accessories made and issued? Thanks in advance for any information.

[praubal]

The Luger was never used by them

[tony james]

The east german police used the luger from the late 40's through the 50'/early 60's .I've. seen only 2 fotos from 56/57 of east german army soldier's wearing either luger or p-38 holsters .

[james m]

It is my understanding that the Police were required to turn in their Lugers and they were issued S&W Victory revolver instead. The authorities believe this was a good control measure since 38S&W ammunition was scarce in Germany. I have a Victory revolver marked with the GECO logo and was told that's the reason for this. Anyway that's what I have been told. If anyone has additional or different information I for one would like to hear it.
Jim

[Klaus1989]

as far as I am aware, not used in W Germany. Have seen, that sometimes Landespolizei Niedersachsen (LPN) marked holsters for the Star B are misidentified as P08 holsters though.

Regards
Klaus

[Gordon Craig]

Gentlemen,

I always hate to say "never" but I haven't seen pictures of a P08 being carried by the BW or German police. Numerous marked East German P08s, some refurbished war time and some newly produced (possibly parts guns) marked to the East German police.

james m is correct. Here is a photo of what appears to be an SW revolver marked to the Bavarian Municipal Police. Also, Berlin police armed with an M1911 pistol. The four allied zones armed their police with weapons from their country so you will find a lot of different firearms in use by German police after the war.

[ReinerMB42]

Photo Berlin Police

Hi Gordon,

very interesting Photo! Are the Officers wearing BLACK Holsters?? I presumed they get US-Holsters, which had been russet brown in this years (45-51)...

Best regards

Reiner

[Gordon Craig]

ReinerMB42,

This picture has always intrigued me for that very reason. Since they are black and white photos I can not be sure of the colour. Collectors have always thought that M1911 holsters used in West Germany following the war were brown because that was the colour of these holsters used by the U.S. I have always reserved my opinion because there is no proof one way or the other. There is a series of books being published in Germany on firearms and holsters used by German police. So far, each book has been on an individual state. Perhaps these books may hold the answer to this question. I haven't bought any of these books yet as the books are not cheap and it would be expensive to buy a book from each individual state. I've attached a picture of BW soldiers wearing the M1911 in brown holsters. The picture is in black and white and the holsters in wear are obviously brown.

Regards,

Gordon

[james m]

The GECO marked S&W Victory revolver I have is in a green web type holster. Although it fits well I've never felt that this holster was in fact issued with the pistol. I acquired it from a vets. widow who had know knowledge about it whatsoever. Here's pictures of my example:
Note: Considering it's pristine condition I doubt that this pistol was ever issued.
Jim

[Gordon Craig]

james m,

Thanks for posting pictures of your pistol and holster. Interesting that it is not police marked. The web holster and belt are probably of British military issue. Here is a picture of the holster issued with the revolver I posted a picture of previously.

Regards,

Gordon

[james m]

Gordon:
A put-together(British web rig) is my thoughts as well. I can only speculate about the lack of markings but since it appears unissued perhaps the markings weren't put on until it was issued.
Jim

[Tom B]

Thank all of you for the great info ! Tom