Holster Good or Bad

[GerColctor]

I have quite a few Luger holsters and have examined many more, never seen one with P08 impressed on the right rear that was dated 1939.

Be very careful of this holster.
Joe

[Carson]

I found this information very helpful in regards to a luger holster I have just purchased myself. I like to research all the information I can, and am at the point now where I was wondering if some of you veteran forum members can maybe help me with specific questions?

I have purchased a WaA195 black hard shell luger holster from eBay. It is marked CWW 1942 below the Waffennampt and the upper rear tight corner has a large PO in the leather. The "O" is not as prominently stamped as the "P" and there is no "8" after the "O". The offset stamp seems consistent, which would explain the missing "8".

There is light wear on the outside of the holster and it is obvious that there was a weapon carried in this holster. I am still matching up Luger marks with indentations in the holster to confirm that my holster is not a reproduction.

I am unable to find any information on what the CWW means, and am also unfamiliar with the WaA195 manufacturer. From my meager experience, this holster looks, feels and smells like the real thing. HOWEVER..... I did a search on the internet under reproduction Luger holsters and was simply amazed at how many quality repros are made and how you can specify the Waffenampt marks, etc. I have a return policy on this item based on my satisfaction, which is why I am turning to you guys....... (Sorry to impose, promise to puy you a coffee in return for the favours!)

The stitching is consistent with other original holsters, with 1/2" overrun on the forward belt loop. Can anyone address these other questions:

1) The buckle for the strap is silver (Plated) steel. I read somewhere that the buckles were painted black. There is rust under the roller of the buckle, and consistent age marks.

2) The take down tool that came with this holster is bare steel, but there seems to be some remanants of paint in a couple of places. There is an eagle deeply stamped into the tool, but no WaA marks. The hole in the middle of the tool seems to have a casting/pouring flaw that looks like a gouge going into the steel and top of the center hole. I am just learning about the tools, so any insight here would be awesome.

I am at work right now, so apologize for lack of pictures. I will try to dig some up tomorrow and sincerely do appreciate your advice. I enjoy uncovering the story behind militaria items, and this is sure to be an "experience" for me! Take care and thank you!

[leondes]

cww was the code for Karl Weiss Lederwarenfabrik, Braunschweig. Eugene Bender in his book on WWII holsters does not list 195 as a known waffenamt number for cww. 195 is often seen on repros so I would be very careful. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, sniff the inside of the holster. If it smells like new shoes, it is a reproduction. Repros can be artificially aged.

The buckles were painted black but the paint could be worn off.

The luger tools were blued, not painted.

Hope this info helps you.

Regards, Leon

[Carson]

Thank you for this information Leon, as it is invaluable for me. I will see about posting pics tomorrow. I paid a fair price but authenticity is essential to me and my utmost concern. If in doubt, I will be returning it.

Do you have any recommendations on reputable vendors for luger holsters? I will be seeing if I can dig up a copy of the reference book you mention as well.

Regards,

Carson.

[Carson]

Educational Experience

As promised, I have some pictures of the holster I purchased. Yes, I am sure that other respected members of this forum do get tired of people asking is "this or that is authentic".....

HOWEVER, I do sincverely appreciate your efforts and feedback and I look at this as an educational experience for me, and possibly someone else who is looking into information on holsters. I hope there will come a time when I hope I can pass on any information I learn here, on to other novice collectors and make a difference.

I guess what I am saying is that by helping me out, you are making a difference and thank you!

OK, I will step down from the soapbox and see if I can learn how to attach pictures.

[Carson]

[Carson]

[Carson]

[Carson]

[Carson]

[Carson]

[Carson]

Then there is the take down tool. There is a deep eagle stamp on it but no WaA mark. It is blued, but there is a strange groove on the reverse. Any insight would be wonderful. Thanks again for bearing with my questions!

[Carson]

[Carson]

Sorry for the bad focus and angle of the light on the tool.

[leondes]

Hi,

Sorry, but I believe you have a reproduction. One dead giveaway is that the belt loops are stitched on the holster vertically. Original holsters always have the loops stitched at an angle.

Regards, Leon