Holster Found In A Garage

[muddyboots]

Very interesting holster. It appears that it is a rework holster. Looks like it was originally for a French label, that has been reworked for a Browning HP. Can you get a clearer photo of the proof mark on it? Any other markings? Any wear markings inside?

As for treatment, I believe Connolly's is the most recommended.

Matt

The picture of the makers mark is the best I could do. The mark is so hard to see without the picture. It is about the size of a dime maybe a little larger but not much. And sadly there is no other marks.

[wandering38]

This is a WWI French revolver holster that was converted to fit the Browning HiPower by the Germans. They were short on holsters for the HP in the beginning, and converted these as substitute until they were able to get holster production rolling. You see these with the early tangent sight pistols in them. All the ones I have seen and owned have that same marking for the depot that did the conversion. Regardless of the nay-sayers leather does need some moisture at least every few decades. If you don't, it IT WILL deteriorate and crack when flexed. That's just science. Don't use lotion or hand-creme. That's not formulated for leather and may have chemical compounds and petroleum byproducts which WILL destroy leather over time. Use a natural wax and lanolin-based compound. (Lanolin softens/moisturizes & the Wax seals). Connolly Hide Care is the best I have found. It will not overly darken and will return to the original color after a few weeks. Very nice find. Congratulations!

[muddyboots]

This post has been so enjoyable!!!! Thanks so much.

[ROBB]

Hi Mike check your pms I need an adress . Rob

[robert]

I agree it is probably a french Nagant holster reworked for a high power. (I think a lebel is a rifle? and might really damage the dry holster if you tried to put one in it) however sometimes you will see reworked commission revolver holsters with stitch marks for the same style three pocket ammo compartments under the flap. The Hza marks are real interesting and have seen them on other holsters, a lot of lugers and some Italian rifles rechambered to 8mm. The great mystery is why aren't there more guns and stuff with the marks. A rework proof would tell a soldier a number of things: #1 that the gun WAS reworked and hopefully now serviceable, #2 who or where it was reworked #3 that this gun needed to be reworked and if a lot of the guns in this batch need reworking then there is something wrong at the factor.

[koenig.blix]

Great thread. I have a similar holster which I recently bought for my early 1940 dated P35. Its marked E/Ze Ulm3

Sorry for the huge photos.

[Kris]

Great holsters ! Hope to find one too one day.