Posted: 10/31/2009 4:07:40 PM EDT
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I just bought a Russian Capture P38 that came with a holster. The holster is the type that has the strap that fits over a stud that is mounted on a flap that opens sideways. This holster has had the belt loops removed and the American GI holster type wire set up for use on American web belts rivited on. I assume by a GI who wanted to keep it on his web gear. I also see "hard Shell" holsters for the P38.
My question is why two holster designs? Were they issued to different branches of the service? I have the Ithica 1911A1 my father carried in WWII. He drove a M36 tank destroyer. He was not issued a sidearm but carried a captured P38 that he traded for the Ithica. II've wanted a P38 every since I was a kid after hearing his story. The one I got has a mismatched slide but it is in great condition. Pistol and holster for just under $400.00. I'm a happy kid. Thanks |
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Hard shell holsters were of the first pattern used for both the Luger and the P-38. The manufacture method required that the leather be boiled and formed to make it hard. The soft shell holsters did not require this to be done. When you need holsters fast guess which method wins out. Many thousands of holsters were reused by the Germans who were also equipped with US weapons and gear hence the change on the back. Also Finland took lots of weapons and changed them. |
| P08, Thanks for the answer. It makes sense. All this old gear has a story. I wish it could talk. I also have a M1 Garand leather "holster" that has a third leather strap attached with a brass rivet. Not sure when or why it was added. My Father said he used it to keep a rifle he liked straped with his gear on the outside of the tank. |