Holster-British or German,WW1 or later and for what pistol?

[mark holden]

I picked this holster up today in a local antiques centre. It is not marked at all. It is stitched in yellowed thread which I associate with the thread colour used on British made Sam Browne equipment. The belt loop is wide again suggesting it was designed to fit on a wide belt.  It is however made in 'pebbled' leather which I associate more with German leather holsters. The magazine came with the holster but is too small for the magazine pocket. Any thoughts gratefully received on its nationality, period of use and what pistol it was designed to hold.

 

Happy Christmas 

 

Mark

[4thGordons]

Are there any markings on the base of the magazine?

It looks like it is .32 (7.65mm) calibre is that about right?

The world of WWI vintage small calibre automatics is incredibly varied (even if restricted to official issue and ignoring private purchase)

I would agree with your analysis of the holster. The stitching and flap stud look British in style - but the pebbled leather would be unusual and is much more common in German equipment as you say....Germany used a significant number of different designs of 7.65mm semi-autos so....

Any markings at all on the mag? I have a number of different ones I shall have a look and see if any look the same.

Chris

[mark holden]

Hi Chris,

 

I would say 7.65mm. No markings on the magazine at all. 

 

Browning M1900???

 

all the best

 

Mark

Edited 23 December , 2017 by mark holden

[4thGordons]

Hi Mark

Browning 1900 looks a reasonable bet - magazine format is very similar to mine.

But then again....

Pistols are not really my thing but it appears I have acquired a few.

The Browning magazine looks a good match -- the closest holster would appear to be the one I have with a M1914 Mauser but as my holster is unmarked that doesn't get you far.

 

See Browning Mag - lower left.

 

Mauser M1914 and holster on left, Dreyse magazine also looks similar....

 

 

[mark holden]

Hi Chris,

 

That is a fine collection you have thank you for sharing it to help id the holster. I reexamined the magazine and found a double M marking to its base as shown in the attached picture.

All the best Mark

  

[new3.2]

I have the same holster with a Spanish 7.65 pistol.  Was a gift of a 16th Armored WW2 vet.  Near the end of the war they went into a German barracks.  It was full of "sleeping" German soldiers.  I supposed it was a group of Volkstrum who were not interested in fighting on.  It also came with a old Italian rifle which had Nazi inspection marks on the sling.

Ken

[MikB]

On 12/23/2017 at 19:48, mark holden said:

Hi Chris,

 

I would say 7.65mm. No markings on the magazine at all. 

 

Browning M1900???

 

all the best

 

Mark

 

...but the mag has 7 load inspection holes, so it's for 8 rounds. But it does look like 7,65 - anybody know one of early 20th vintage carrying 8 rounds?