WWII PPK holster - The Firearms Forum

S.H.A.F.T. · 09-05-2010, 07:55 PM

After much searching, I have found this site. A long time ago my grandfather gave me a holster. Looking at internet pictures I have narrowed it down to a holster for a Walther PPK. Mine is brown and is similar to others I have seen except that mine has no stampings in the leather, rather it has a raised, aluminum eagle with wreath and swastika in it's talons. The eagle measures about 2.5" across. Could someone please tell me more than I already know?

Thanks, S.H.A.F.T.

Jim K · 09-05-2010, 08:15 PM

A picture would be more likely to get recognition. I will say that as a general rule, the Germans didn't put such insignia on pistol holsters, but it was a common practice for American GI's to pin or glue various Nazi insignia onto souvenir holsters or even inlet them into pistol grips or rifle stocks.

Jim

S.H.A.F.T. · 09-05-2010, 09:10 PM

OK Jim, I put 4 photos of the holster in my photo album. Take a look and let me know what you think. I need to tell you that the contours on the back of the eagle pin are perfect for the shape of the holster. My non-expert eye sure says it came with the holster.

S.H.A.F.T.

SSMN · 09-05-2010, 10:25 PM

There was a Party Leader holster with a NSDAP metal insignia, but yours is not it. Yours was most likely a GI addition after its capture. I am attaching a photo of a the Party Leader holster for your view,. It came with brocade straps attached to the holster by snaps with NSDAP insignia and links with oak leafs attached to the rear of the holster.

xm774u · 09-06-2010, 08:35 PM

gi bring back

S.H.A.F.T. · 09-07-2010, 09:03 PM

Do you happen to have a photo of how that emblem is attached to the holster? I would like to compare it to how mine is attached. Also, my holster is brown. What color is the holster you posted? Any clue as to which branch of the military it came from? Officer? Enlisted man?

Thanks for everybody's comments so far. Oh, what about a value?

SSMN · 09-07-2010, 09:47 PM

High Ranking Officers dress holster NSDAP would have been brown.
No pic of the inside.

Bring back messed with, pin added would reduce the value. You might get $75/$80.

Danny · 09-07-2010, 11:02 PM

David if the pin was war issued and the holster even being a plain Jane, 150 would be my estimate. If it has the spare mag pouch on the side, instead of frontal, more like 400.
Danny

SSMN · 09-07-2010, 11:26 PM

Danny,
I would agree with you except that once a hole (or several in this case) had been punched in the holster, all collector value would be gone, leading edge mag pouch or not.

TheGunClinger · 09-08-2010, 05:57 AM

If a holster such as that had authentic medallions, would they be attached with what looks like paper clips? How would they normally be attached?

SSMN · 09-08-2010, 03:43 PM

GC,
You're asking for speculation on how a hypothetical insignia which did not exist be attached to a holster type which never existed. (Standard holster with metal insignia). Since there was no such thing, your guess is as good as mine.

I have attached a copy of Shafts' holster inside flap and I can tell you it would not have been done like this. This appears to be a service cap insignia with long metal tabs meant to be pushed through cloth and bent over to affix.

Perhaps someone who is familiar with uniforms and accessories can confirm this attachment method. A close look appears to indicate that this is a postwar holster. The flap is sewn on as a separate piece. Standard holster prewar and wartime holsters were one piece.

S.H.A.F.T. · 09-08-2010, 04:41 PM

You guys are right about the flimsy way the emblem is attached to the holster. It is attached solidly, but it looks to me that if someone were to straighten the pins in an attempt to remove the emblem they would snap. Maybe not, but that's my impression looking at it. That said, it is almost an exact replica for size, shape and location of the black and white photo posted for comparison. Somebody did a great job because it really matches the contours of the holster and appears to be made for it.

Thanks again.

S.H.A.F.T.

S.H.A.F.T. · 09-08-2010, 05:02 PM

Sorry, I almost forgot: As SSMN mentioned, the flap is indeed a seperate piece of leather that is sewn to the body of the holster, not all one piece.

Also, there is some sort of stamped decoration at the base of the leather fastening strap, between the stiching. A crude Eidelweise?

S.H.A.F.T.

Danny · 09-08-2010, 11:24 PM

The holster is correct. There were many holster makers during the war. I have 2 JP Sauer 38h police holsters that are two piece. You can see the GI's name on it. Give me a full pic & any markings or names & I will narrow it down for ya.If you still doubt my opinion, than take a ultra blue light & check the thread to see if it is cotton. The thread will show dull , while other material will show bright. The holster is correct in my opinion.
David have you seen Luger ,P38 and the other large frame pistol holsters, dating all the way to early 1900's
SHAFT if you do not want it sell it to me, as I have several (10) prewar PPK's I could use it with. It being brown is what I need as wartime ones where black or brown ones dyed black.
Kind Regards
Danny

SSMN · 09-09-2010, 08:43 AM

Danny,
Of course I have seen and own Luger and P38 holsters with sewn on flaps. I am also aware that there were at least fifty seven different manufacturers of holsters during the war. It is not an Akah as usually seen. I bow respectfully to your superior knowlege regarding other holsters...happily.

Both black and brown wartime holsters will be found. It is generally agreed that SS issue were black with others brown with the brown being more commonly found.
David

S.H.A.F.T. · 09-09-2010, 09:12 PM

Danny, click on my name and check out my album, I have 4 pictures of the holster. It has NO markings on it that I can see other than the one I described as a crude eidelweise (maybe) and the aluminum Eagle emblem. Let me know what you think.

S.H.A.F.T.

Danny · 09-10-2010, 08:38 PM

From looking at the pics SHAFT, it is a WW2 holster. You can see the color,thread, & the cracks in the leather all match. I have one like this or spotted one somewhere. When I get the time I will go through my leather & take a pic. I think it is a rare breed item.
Kind Regards
Danny

valbehaved · 09-11-2010, 05:28 PM

It IS a WWII holster but it is in a style of a "generic" WWII small caliber holster that could be right for any .25 or .32 cal WWII German or German procurment pistol. It is impossible to tell from the pictures which pistol or pistols it would fit.
One needs to measure the holster and the spare mag pouch. Also, trying different mags in the spare pouch might narrow it down.
I can find absolutely nothing in this holster that would indicate that it is "rare" or "special" in any way.
The emblem was obviously added to the holster by a returning GI, and was NOT attached at the factory or at the SS "headquarters" or by a "party leader".

09-05-2010, 07:55 PM	#1
S.H.A.F.T. Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 6	WWII PPK holster After much searching, I have found this site. A long time ago my grandfather gave me a holster. Looking at internet pictures I have narrowed it down to a holster for a Walther PPK. Mine is brown and is similar to others I have seen except that mine has no stampings in the leather, rather it has a raised, aluminum eagle with wreath and swastika in it's talons. The eagle measures about 2.5" across. Could someone please tell me more than I already know? Thanks, S.H.A.F.T. -->

09-05-2010, 08:15 PM	#2
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: WWII PPK holster A picture would be more likely to get recognition. I will say that as a general rule, the Germans didn't put such insignia on pistol holsters, but it was a common practice for American GI's to pin or glue various Nazi insignia onto souvenir holsters or even inlet them into pistol grips or rifle stocks. Jim

09-05-2010, 09:10 PM	#3
S.H.A.F.T. Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 6	Re: WWII PPK holster OK Jim, I put 4 photos of the holster in my photo album. Take a look and let me know what you think. I need to tell you that the contours on the back of the eagle pin are perfect for the shape of the holster. My non-expert eye sure says it came with the holster. S.H.A.F.T.

09-05-2010, 10:25 PM	#4
SSMN Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ely, Minnesota Posts: 507	Re: WWII PPK holster There was a Party Leader holster with a NSDAP metal insignia, but yours is not it. Yours was most likely a GI addition after its capture. I am attaching a photo of a the Party Leader holster for your view,. It came with brocade straps attached to the holster by snaps with NSDAP insignia and links with oak leafs attached to the rear of the holster. Attached Images

09-06-2010, 08:35 PM	#5
xm774u Former Guest Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: beond the great abiss Posts: 179	Re: WWII PPK holster gi bring back

09-07-2010, 09:03 PM	#6
S.H.A.F.T. Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 6	Re: WWII PPK holster Do you happen to have a photo of how that emblem is attached to the holster? I would like to compare it to how mine is attached. Also, my holster is brown. What color is the holster you posted? Any clue as to which branch of the military it came from? Officer? Enlisted man? Thanks for everybody's comments so far. Oh, what about a value?

09-07-2010, 09:47 PM	#7
SSMN Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ely, Minnesota Posts: 507	Re: WWII PPK holster High Ranking Officers dress holster NSDAP would have been brown. No pic of the inside. Bring back messed with, pin added would reduce the value. You might get $75/$80.

09-07-2010, 11:02 PM	#8
Danny Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Va Contributor Posts: 594	Re: WWII PPK holster David if the pin was war issued and the holster even being a plain Jane, 150 would be my estimate. If it has the spare mag pouch on the side, instead of frontal, more like 400. Danny __________________ THE GUN HAS PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN HISTORY. AN INVENTION WHICH HAS BEEN PRAISED & DENOUNCED...SERVED HERO & VILLAIN ALIKE...AND CARRIES WITH IT MORAL RESPONSIBILITY...TO UNDERSTAND THE GUN IS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HISTORY.

09-07-2010, 11:26 PM	#9
SSMN Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ely, Minnesota Posts: 507	Re: WWII PPK holster Danny, I would agree with you except that once a hole (or several in this case) had been punched in the holster, all collector value would be gone, leading edge mag pouch or not.

09-08-2010, 05:57 AM	#10
TheGunClinger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SW Florida Contributor Posts: 2,386	Re: WWII PPK holster If a holster such as that had authentic medallions, would they be attached with what looks like paper clips? How would they normally be attached? __________________ New England Patriots Rule Next year.

09-08-2010, 03:43 PM	#11
SSMN Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ely, Minnesota Posts: 507	Re: WWII PPK holster GC, You're asking for speculation on how a hypothetical insignia which did not exist be attached to a holster type which never existed. (Standard holster with metal insignia). Since there was no such thing, your guess is as good as mine. I have attached a copy of Shafts' holster inside flap and I can tell you it would not have been done like this. This appears to be a service cap insignia with long metal tabs meant to be pushed through cloth and bent over to affix. Perhaps someone who is familiar with uniforms and accessories can confirm this attachment method. A close look appears to indicate that this is a postwar holster. The flap is sewn on as a separate piece. Standard holster prewar and wartime holsters were one piece. Attached Images Last edited by SSMN; 09-08-2010 at 03:48 PM..

09-08-2010, 04:41 PM	#12
S.H.A.F.T. Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 6	Re: WWII PPK holster You guys are right about the flimsy way the emblem is attached to the holster. It is attached solidly, but it looks to me that if someone were to straighten the pins in an attempt to remove the emblem they would snap. Maybe not, but that's my impression looking at it. That said, it is almost an exact replica for size, shape and location of the black and white photo posted for comparison. Somebody did a great job because it really matches the contours of the holster and appears to be made for it. Thanks again. S.H.A.F.T.

09-08-2010, 05:02 PM	#13
S.H.A.F.T. Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 6	Re: WWII PPK holster Sorry, I almost forgot: As SSMN mentioned, the flap is indeed a seperate piece of leather that is sewn to the body of the holster, not all one piece. Also, there is some sort of stamped decoration at the base of the leather fastening strap, between the stiching. A crude Eidelweise? S.H.A.F.T.

09-08-2010, 11:24 PM	#14
Danny Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Va Contributor Posts: 594	Re: WWII PPK holster The holster is correct. There were many holster makers during the war. I have 2 JP Sauer 38h police holsters that are two piece. You can see the GI's name on it. Give me a full pic & any markings or names & I will narrow it down for ya.If you still doubt my opinion, than take a ultra blue light & check the thread to see if it is cotton. The thread will show dull , while other material will show bright. The holster is correct in my opinion. David have you seen Luger ,P38 and the other large frame pistol holsters, dating all the way to early 1900's SHAFT if you do not want it sell it to me, as I have several (10) prewar PPK's I could use it with. It being brown is what I need as wartime ones where black or brown ones dyed black. Kind Regards Danny __________________ THE GUN HAS PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN HISTORY. AN INVENTION WHICH HAS BEEN PRAISED & DENOUNCED...SERVED HERO & VILLAIN ALIKE...AND CARRIES WITH IT MORAL RESPONSIBILITY...TO UNDERSTAND THE GUN IS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HISTORY. Last edited by Danny; 09-08-2010 at 11:43 PM..

09-09-2010, 08:43 AM	#15
SSMN Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ely, Minnesota Posts: 507	Re: WWII PPK holster Danny, Of course I have seen and own Luger and P38 holsters with sewn on flaps. I am also aware that there were at least fifty seven different manufacturers of holsters during the war. It is not an Akah as usually seen. I bow respectfully to your superior knowlege regarding other holsters...happily. Both black and brown wartime holsters will be found. It is generally agreed that SS issue were black with others brown with the brown being more commonly found. David Last edited by SSMN; 09-09-2010 at 08:45 AM..

09-09-2010, 09:12 PM	#16
S.H.A.F.T. Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 6	Re: WWII PPK holster Danny, click on my name and check out my album, I have 4 pictures of the holster. It has NO markings on it that I can see other than the one I described as a crude eidelweise (maybe) and the aluminum Eagle emblem. Let me know what you think. S.H.A.F.T.

09-10-2010, 08:38 PM	#17
Danny Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Va Contributor Posts: 594	Re: WWII PPK holster From looking at the pics SHAFT, it is a WW2 holster. You can see the color,thread, & the cracks in the leather all match. I have one like this or spotted one somewhere. When I get the time I will go through my leather & take a pic. I think it is a rare breed item. Kind Regards Danny __________________ THE GUN HAS PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE IN HISTORY. AN INVENTION WHICH HAS BEEN PRAISED & DENOUNCED...SERVED HERO & VILLAIN ALIKE...AND CARRIES WITH IT MORAL RESPONSIBILITY...TO UNDERSTAND THE GUN IS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HISTORY.

09-11-2010, 05:28 PM	#18
valbehaved V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 234	Re: WWII PPK holster It IS a WWII holster but it is in a style of a "generic" WWII small caliber holster that could be right for any .25 or .32 cal WWII German or German procurment pistol. It is impossible to tell from the pictures which pistol or pistols it would fit. One needs to measure the holster and the spare mag pouch. Also, trying different mags in the spare pouch might narrow it down. I can find absolutely nothing in this holster that would indicate that it is "rare" or "special" in any way. The emblem was obviously added to the holster by a returning GI, and was NOT attached at the factory or at the SS "headquarters" or by a "party leader".