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**Gene** · 11-17-2005, 07:27 PM

Nice looking piece. I don't know what the EKSl or EKSt stands for, but the brown color is usually associated with the Luftwaffe. That would make it's date of 1940 perfect for a Battle of Britain display.

**Das Reich** · 11-18-2005, 04:51 AM

thanks gene. any other input? was brown always for luftwaffe? didnt heer officere wore it for their own brown belts? what are the characteristics of this one that makes it an original? is there any good reference book for holsters?

**GWA** · 11-18-2005, 09:17 AM

A very good reference for military holsters is Anthony Vanderlinden's "Holsters and Shoulder-Stocks of the World". It's short on text but jammed with good clear photographs and relatively inexpensive. The publisher/author's contact info is www.fn-browning.com

**leondes** · 11-18-2005, 12:43 PM

E.K.St. are the initials for Ehrhardt & Kirsten, Koffer & Lederwarenfabrik, Tauscha-Leipzig. I have seen a few P.08 holsters with those initials and on a couple of P.38 holsters, also.

Hi Gene,

The theory about brown holsters being Luftwaffe holsters has not been proven, as far as I know. It is a popular belief, however. Most, if not all, of the early Third Reich P.08 holsters were brown (that I have seen, at least) and they were certainly issued to the Heer. It is my understanding that in 1940 there was some sort of directive that holsters be black. I don't know if it was just certain units or what. That's why you see so many brown holsters and brown ammo pouches that have been dyed black. Most of the holsters made after 1940 were black but brown does show up. Even in P.38 holsters, there were brown hard shells that were made in Poland. Also some brown soft shells show up from time to time.

I would be interested if anyone has additional info about this subject. All the long time collectors that I know don't seem to have a positive answer.

Regards, Leon

**Matt Weber** · 11-18-2005, 02:36 PM

Holster looks good. As for price, I would guess that this holster will sell for well over $200.

As for the theory of color, Leon is correct. In 1940 the army issued directives that all leather be dyed black. This is why most items made after 1940 are made in black.(but not all, as Leon stated!)
Early brown holsters like this one, were suppose to be dyed black. But due to shortages of leather dye, this wasn't always done.

The reason why many collectors think that brown means Luftwaffe, is because the Luftwaffe never issued a directive for thier holsters to be dyed black.
That doesn't mean that they didn't use black holsters though!! (I have a Luftwaffe proofed P38 holster that is black! I also have two Krieghoff Luftwaffe Luger holsters, and both are black!) Also, that doesn't mean that the army didn't use brown holsters either.
There is really no way to tell what holsters were issued to specific branches based on color alone. Only markings will tell you this.

As for reference books on holsters. There aren't too many out there. Bob Wittingtons' Vol. III is probably one of the better ones out there.
I am currently working on a holster book right now!

Until then, I would say your best source for information on holsters is probably right here!

Matt

**stevezz1** · 11-18-2005, 02:43 PM

Hi Das Reich,
Leon is correct on all points.
As far as i know only brown holsters being issued to the Luftwaffe and officers is a total myth.......
This looks like a good holster, worth going after. The stitching looks good, nice clear maker/date/WaA stamps, all components are there and it has original belt loops, which is a must as far as i am concerned........
Go for it.....

Steve.

**Das Reich** · 11-18-2005, 06:39 PM

thanks to all for the input.

**Tim R. B.** · 11-18-2005, 07:45 PM

I'm not that knowledgeable on Luger holsters so this is great piece of info

Tim.

Originally posted by leondes

E.K.St. are the initials for Ehrhardt & Kirsten, Koffer & Lederwarenfabrik, Tauscha-Leipzig. I have seen a few P.08 holsters with those initials and on a couple of P.38 holsters, also.

Hi Gene,

The theory about brown holsters being Luftwaffe holsters has not been proven, as far as I know. It is a popular belief, however. Most, if not all, of the early Third Reich P.08 holsters were brown (that I have seen, at least) and they were certainly issued to the Heer. It is my understanding that in 1940 there was some sort of directive that holsters be black. I don't know if it was just certain units or what. That's why you see so many brown holsters and brown ammo pouches that have been dyed black. Most of the holsters made after 1940 were black but brown does show up. Even in P.38 holsters, there were brown hard shells that were made in Poland. Also some brown soft shells show up from time to time.

I would be interested if anyone has additional info about this subject. All the long time collectors that I know don't seem to have a positive answer.

Regards, Leon

**gew98** · 11-19-2005, 03:02 PM

There was a dealer this weekend at the OVMS show whom had a table of P08 holsters - starting at $300 and way on up each. Some real nice ones.
A buddy of mine has a minty 1913 commercial P08 that has had the police safety details added to it and is in a former artillery luger holster modified 'down' to a standard holster -right down to a police style flap closure !. Holster is serialed to the pistol no less !. Neat rig , but he's not atached to it and has it for sale $1450 I think.

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Luger Brown Holster at Ebay.

Luger Brown Holster at Ebay.

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