P38 with Holster

[John4022]

Just got purchased this and 2 helmets from a vets daughter. Unfortunately one piece of the p38 is not matching. Although I am wondering about the panzer skull on the holster. Do you guys think the vet did it or a panzer crewman did it? All comments are greatly appreciated!

[bodes]

The back of the holster (belt attachment) has been modified for use on an US pistol belt, so I would guess the skull was added by the G.I.....Of course, it would be impossible to know with 100% certainty....The pistol has an 'x' above the triggerguard which tells me it's a Russian capture....Bodes

[Bigdibbs88]

unfortunately the pistol is a put together with a mismatched slide and frame and a phosphate slide stop.. The x on the frame could be the letter suffix of the guns serial number or a russian capture marking. As bodes noted the holster is also very modified and not worth much. I hope you did not overpay!

[tanker]

I agree with bodes, that X is too far away from the serial number to be part of it.
As a shooter, probably ok, but as far as a collectable, far from it. Sorry. Ron

The back of the holster (belt attachment) has been modified for use on an US pistol belt, so I would guess the skull was added by the G.I.....Of course, it would be impossible to know with 100% certainty....The pistol has an 'x' above the triggerguard which tells me it's a Russian capture....Bodes

[John4022]

$1150 with two helmets, I do have the capture paper with the p38....

[Jerry Burney]

The Panzer skull is without doubt applied after capture. This is common among capture holsters to see all sorts of German badges applied by GI's.

It is NEVER seen in period German photographs and one would think..correctly I am thinking that it was verboten among German troops.

[wehl]

$1150 with two helmets, I do have the capture paper with the p38....

may i ask which helmets? us? holtsters with that belt loops rework are common find from Norway post war army depots.

[John4022]

I got a m35, and a nice m42

[crowback]

If he has the G I capture papers then I do not understand why the gun would be a Russian capture weapon. Can someone explain that to me?

[tanker]

We could very well be wrong if the capture paper clearly states the sn of the frame.
Would like to see a pic of the helmets and paper. I don't want to seem like we are dumping on his purchase though.
Ron

[bodes]

If he has the G I capture papers then I do not understand why the gun would be a Russian capture weapon. Can someone explain that to me?

It says to me one must be prepared to scrutinize any such "bring back" papers....Bodes

[John4022]

[John4022]

sorry for the bad pics, took them in a hurry with my phone

[tanker]

The one helmet without liner/scraped decal is not much of a collectable and unfortunately the paper only list he serial number on the slide. The one on the frame is suspect as to a russian capture X. Basicly the paper doesn't help. I would say from what I see, you paid top dollar for some mediocre items. i don't want that o sound rude but from a collector standpoint , it would be difficult torecoup you money. Ron

[John4022]

So, maybe he shot the pistol a lot and broke a piece so he replaced it? Starting to be my best guess.