fast draw p38 holster?

[pitts duncan]

i have a correct original spreewerke p38 that was a vet bring back. it has a holster he got from a buddy that was also supposed to be from ww2. thing is someone cut the flap off the holster to gain instant access to the gun and i got to thinking this might have been done by the german owner . it makes sense to me that a more accessible gun would keep you alive longer the strap was left intact so it is secured in the holster but not as fumblesome when needed. have you guys ever seen others that were modified for quick access in this manner by the original german soldiers? thanks and happy holidays

[phild]

It may have happened, but I have never seen one modified like this in a photo worn by a German and I have seen a lot of photos.

I have seen German holsters with the flap removed worn by GIs in photos and brought back by GIs.

I think that it would be a hard call to make 100% either way, but in most cases if not all they were modified after they left German hands......Steiner's holster in "Cross of Iron" not withstanding!

[r.blue]

Most unlikely.
German's would have not have done this to their own holsters....The pattern holster that you describe is U.S. not German. The Germans were big on protection of the pistol while we were into the open style with closure strap. Most likely an army of occupation holster made for a captured pistol.
Phild is right on the money.
R.Blue

[Matt Weber]

I agree. I have seen many a German holsters that were "modified" as "cowboy" or "quick draw" holsters. These were all done by US GIs after "liberating" the holsters from thier previous owners.

The Germans had very strict regulations reguarding the wearing of holsters on the uniform. They were suppose to be worn on the left side hip, butt facing forward. They certainly would never authorize any such alterations to them.

Matt

[geopop71]

Quick draw

I found this very interesting as I have a WW one brown Luger holster dated 1914, it had the lower part of the holster just under the Luger grip, sliced in several 1/2 inch slices so that it was very easy to slide the hand under the grip and draw the pistol. I was told by a collector that this was a common practice for "Doughboys" to do to captured Lugers. It made sense since the Luger is quite a chore to fast draw. The flap is still on it however. I agree,the Germans would have frowned on any destruction of equipment in such a manner.
With the flap down, it is impossible to see the slices.
geopop

[pitts duncan]

yes i have determined that you were correct here matt. the holster is definitely ww2 german but apparently altered by cowboy influenced gi. as is apparent from correct waffenampts on rear and gi embossed serial number and name and rank scratched in om the f back of leather.

[GerColctor]

I have a very rare pre WWI Imperial Navy holster for a 1906 Luger. The rear was altered as per German regulations, but it was captured at the end of WW II. I bought the Luger and the holster from the vet's daughter. This holster was "modified" by the GI, by widening the opening under the flap in order to provide better access to the Luger. The cleaning rod sleeve was also ripped off the side for whatever reason. These "alterations" are quite evident to the casual observer, so it wasn't done by the Germans.

This navy holster is just about useless in it's present condition. At least the GI didn't do anything to "improve" the gun.

Joe

[schutzpolizei]

I know straight from a Grossdeutschland vet, still living in the US (Salinas, CA) that he cut the flap from his P-38 holster for better access in an armored vehicle. He was a Panther driver later in the war, begining in the Ardennes. He related that it was somewhat a common thing amoung members of his company. The flap was cut leaving a strip of leather to the buckle assembly, enabling him to secure it if necessary.

Not to say a GI wouldn't do the same thing, or that it was common. But you certainly cannot deny the possiblity of such field modifications on the basis of "the Germans would never do it." Not for Hilter's birthday parade, certainly. Personally in terms of a collection, I would still rather have the "textbook" example.

[Rick C]

Found this old thread and thought I would show something I recently picked up. Certainly an odd-ball holster. I bought it simply because I'm a lefty and so is it.

No marking. No flap. Clearly made for a Luger. No clue on the period made.

Rick

[Rick C]

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[Rick C]

last

[Johnny Peppers]

Fast draw proficiency has never been a military requirement, falling far behind weapon protection. U.S. Ordnance had a hard time giving up the right side, butt to the front holster.

Rick,
Your holster looks like the style and construction popular in the 1950's/1960's time period.

[Rick C]

Quite possibly. Cool though!