Mystery solved!

[james m]

Buttons are not added; it is the second variation of the carrier.

The Luger Snail Drum by E Sayre; Page 112:

"Steel buttons are added to help the strap and roller block secure the opening flap."

I read this as a retro fix to correct a problem not as a second variation.

[GWA]

The Luger Snail Drum by E Sayre; Page 112:

"Steel buttons are added to help the strap and roller block secure the opening flap."

I read this as a retro fix to correct a problem not as a second variation.

Ed was wrong on this point, he had only photos of the two examples shown in his book at the time he made the notes. Actually both those examples are of the later type made with buttons. He based his opinion of the second type having been a modification on the photos from the LP08 manual which shows the first model.

Examples of the first model modified that I have seen never have buttons added but rather belt straps added to the rear so that the carrier can be carried along the waist belt rather than suspended from the belt by the loop at the small end of the carrier. I believe that they were never carried in service as is illustrated in the manual (Sayre book page 111)