A few interesting P.38 holsters.

[drm2m]

In 1943 only a few manufacturers produced the P.38 softshell holster as the hardshell model holster was still in production.

The 1943 dated softshell holsters ‘usually’ had upward closing straps while the 1944 softshell holsters ‘usually’ had downward closing straps.

Shown are two of these 1943 softshell holsters.
Gebr. Klinge, Dresden
(code) GXY WaA 706 (left)

fkx WaA 869
Gustav Sudbrack, Lederwaren-u. Gamaschen-fabrik, Bielefeld, N-W (Right)















In 1944 hardshell P.38 holsters were being replaced by the new softshell model.
Fewer manufacturers were still producing the P.38 hardshell holster at this point..

Shown below is a 44 dated P.38 hardshell holster.

“gmo” is the code for Rahm&Kampmann
Lederwarenfabriken, Werk
Kaiserslautern, Rheinland-Pfalz
WaA 204 is their WaA number.






There are RBNr numbers for (“Reichs-Betriebs-Nr”) above and partially covered by the front belt loop. .“0/0655/0013”
The first number stands for the kind of plant (O is industrial)
Number 2-5 stands for the district.
Number 6-9 stands for the name of the plant.
All German plants received such a number late in WW2, and it seems this code should replace the one to three letter code.
However, the war was over before this change was finished, so both kinds of codes can be found on many kinds of military items.



These are not pristine examples of these holsters ---but I find them interesting.
They appear to have been used.

David

[r.blue]

Excellent presentation!
R.B.

[Kris]

I love it, thanks for sharing !

[Aiceman]

Great collection, congrats!
I think the RBnR code was the predecessor of automate data processing.
This is the part of the "Reichsbetriebskartei" system. Today in the Bundesarchiv can be seen the remained material of the" Reichministerium für Rüstung und Kriegsproduktion".
The local "Bezirksstellen des Maschinellen Berichtswesens" gave the number for the makers. The maker's data (profil, place,number of workers) was on the data card. From this cards was the searchable database in the "Reichministerium für Rüstung und Kriegsproduktion".

[1933 FORD NUT]

P38 gmo holster dated " 4 "

Here's another gmo 4 example . Same number by the belt loop but the date is 4 not 44 . Waffenampt is not all readable as it was struck at an angle . Some shelf wear but pretty crispy other than that . Leondes posted the firms that made these in 44 and it was not a long list . Not a P38 guy so I have reached my level of incompetence on this subject: D Dave

[Steve Turner]

Thanks drm2n!

Good thread.

Cheers,
-Steve

[drm2m]

Thanks for all of the positive comments.

I have two 44 dated hardshell holsters ---one with clearer markings ----both show 44 instead of just 4.

[1933 FORD NUT]

Neat stuff by the way !!!!!! Mine is definitely marked with just one 4 .

[drm2m]

My first P.38 hardshell holster 43 dated ----not a superb example.
(Nicer on the inside than on the outside.)
Purchased in 2003 to go with a reasonably decent 'k' block ac42.
The pistol is in better condition than the holster.

It must have been a rough day for the inspector---the WaA210 stamp is upside down.
I suspect that is not unusual.

Moll, Lederwaren Fabrik, Goch. Nordrhein Westfalen
(Code) “ cxb” WaA210





The ac42 with a 'plum colored' frame.

[drm2m]

The ac42 that got me going on this P.38 holster quest.
A little crazy when I think back---- as I only own two P.38s.





The plum colored frame with the serial number.





The original mag.



The single e359 spine marking.



Other mags added later ---double e359 spine marked mags.
Probably more correct for the ac41.




It is easy to get carried away in this game---there are many things that I would not do again!

D.

[drm2m]

The extent of my P.38 collection.
(I have many P.38 holsters just for two pistols)

An ac42 and a Spreewerk code 'cyq'.

ac42 shown at the bottom.



The Spreewerk pistol markings. (This pistol was manufactured in approx. August 1943)








Magazine e88 marking.




Another P.38 holster--

P.38 code ‘bml’ 44 softshell holster –WaA23.



D.

[1933 FORD NUT]

ewx 1944 P38 hardshell holster on epay

Here's another one with the full 1944 date on it . WaA195 ewx code . Pics are from a current epay ad . $700 buy-it-now or best offer . Dave

[Scott A. Hess]

Hi, was there any rhyme or reason as to which P38's had black bakelite grips and which brown, as in, different makers used different colors, or just what was on hand? Just curious, always found the brown bakelite grips very nice looking

[bohmen&mahren]

ewx 1944

ewx 1944

[howiebearse]

great photos and collection

I have been looking for a holster for my P38 I have a like new all matching but its a Russian capture. byf 44