P-38 Shoulder Holster... Real or ??

[DUV44]

Greetings all,

I went to a small local gun show and bought a bunch of WWII era German/Czech holsters and this one was in the mix. It appears to be a P-38 shoulder or "tanker" holster. There are no markings on the leather, but the snap buckle is marked with the Assmann logo along with the RZM logo and M5/289. The pebbled buckle is unmarked as far as I can tell. There is an inscription in ink that is mostly illegible. I can make out "S/SGT CAR......." and an illegible service number. This obviously has some age and has a decent amount of wear from use. I can not find another example identical to this anywhere online. Can anyone shed some light onto this piece? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

duv

 

[moosedog]

Looks good so far but I'm no expert. I like it.

 

[Hambone]

As good of a chance as any as being WW2. The same leatherwork shops that did these for German officers, etc. during WW2 did them for occupation troops. They would have used the same fittings. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen an “issue” German shoulder holster. Again, the construction and fittings are all very good signs but there’s no way to know for sure.

 

[PatickD]

Here’s my PP shoulder holster. Imo cottage industry custom. WWII or just after the war no way to tell. But everything seems period.

 

[Tiger 2 Tank]

I agree, looks WWII period construction. That clip looks like a type they use on daggers. See if you can angle some lighting on that illegible name and service number. You might be able to get more that way. Would be interesting to get the vet’s info.

 

[DUV44]

Thanks guys! That makes sense that they weren't a general issue item, so they wouldn't have any military markings. I didn't think about that, lol. How much are these types of holsters worth? I'm probably going to hang onto it, but it would be nice to know if I ever decide to sell it.

I agree, looks WWII period construction. That clip looks like a type they use on daggers. See if you can angle some lighting on that illegible name and service number. You might be able to get more that way. Would be interesting to get the vet’s info.

Tiger, I tried to light it at every angle to see what I could get, but it seems like pulling a gun in and out of the holster has rubbed away a lot of it. I'll try to get a good picture of it. Maybe one of you guys can see something that I don't.


Thanks again!
duv

 

[Tiger 2 Tank]

Sounds good. My guess would be estimated at $150 or so. Just a guess on my part.

Too bad on the vet’s info, but if you share a photo, maybe someone can help.

 

[mrfarb]

Imo most of these were made for us troops using scrapped items for fittings. I’ve bought many ac45 p38’s over the years with these made in .45 tanker style. I like it!

 

[JoeW]

The Assmann M5/289 marked fitting is a Karabinerhaken used for attachment of larger pieces like straps. The dagger hanger clips are narrower at the tip like this one.

As to issue Third Reich holsters, the only one I have been able to identfy was the Albrecht Kind company patented "Reichsbank" design shoulder holster shown in an advertisement here, which was issued to members of the RSHA: Kripo and Gestapo plainclothes agents.
The holster and straps was completely described on the RSHA inventory cards as well as the 1943 RSHA equipment price list, identifying the holster, two straps and securing studs. Here is one returned by a vet without the straps but with an RSHA issue PPK.

 

[Tiger 2 Tank]

That's good information.

 

[DUV44]

Thanks for all the info guys! Here is a picture of the name written inside the holster. It's the best picture I could get.

 

[GEM]

Maybe try looking at it under UV light?

 

[eddie d]

Here is another one that came with a .22 PP
Found the holster, the PP is somewhere around here....

 

[DUV44]

Maybe try looking at it under UV light?

Yea, I tried that too. I wasn't able to make anything out.

 

[jangle]

Another in slightly different configuration, with manufacturers name.