Various German Police Lugers, Holsters and Accessories

Weimar and Nazi Police Holsters

Pictured is a German manufactured commercial holster, original pistol model unknown, converted to accept a P.08 Luger pistol by modifying the holster body entrance. It is not certain when the holster was modified, however, it was used by the German State Railway Protection Police, specifically the Bahnschutz or Bahnschutzpolizei (BSP) (Railway Protection Police) as identified by ink stampings located on the inside cover flap being BAHN SCHUTZ and RBD/Rbd (ReichsBahnDirektionen) ESSEN (RUHR). This holster was used in the NAZI era as indicated by the holster body Eagle/Swastika stamp. Holster front view pictured with P.08.

Even though the unidentified holster has been modified to fit a P.08, it is suggested by collectors that the Railway Protection Police mostly used non-Luger pistols. Another NAZI era example being the Walther PP and PPK pistols pictured in Axis Pistols © 1986 by J. Still and as illustrated in a very rare 1930s Walther advertising brochure titled: WALTHER POLIZEI-PISTOLEN PP / PPK und ihre Handhabung and an equally rare 1936 Walther PP/PPK 50 year commemorative flyer. Click here for English translation.

New Manufacture Second Pattern Police Luger Holsters

The first 1920’s Weimar era police Luger holster of new manufacture to be recognized as such is not manufacture marked is a black dyed leather, full cover flap with a holster body attached, pear-shaped up-strap secured to the cover flap without a keeper via the leather slit and brass stud method. Pictured is an example featured in Weimar Lugers by J Still, © 1993, page 174, Fig. 45a and the same style holster pictured with a 1920 chamber stamped commercial/Army/Police Luger 70319. Pictured is an identical holster in the collection and additionally pictured with a 1908/13 commercial/military/police, no chamber date Luger, serial number 69859 and a separate view of 69859 serialized in the hidden commercial style. This rare M1908 Commercial Army P.08 variation is described in great detail on page 25, Figure 18 of Imperial Lugers © 1991 by J. Still.

Featured in chronological order are various new 1929 and later, second pattern manufacture police holsters with added magazine pouch, and up-strap/keeper cover flap closure in the collection:  

● Weimar era German police, second pattern P.08 Luger holster that is maker marked Paul Göldner Halle a.S. or Halle an der Saale (Halle on the Saale River) on the back and dated 1933. Holster is also marked Bahnschutz RBD Halle (S) indicating issue to the Railway Police in Halle. This holster is seldom found and is considered very desirable by collectors. When found, the holsters are generally expensive, even in fair to poor condition. Pictured are three views of a fine example holster; view 1, view 2, view 3.

  Click plus for more information on this variation.

Rock Island Auction Date: December 8th 2013
Constructed from black leather in the conventional Luger police flap holster configuration, the back of the holster is stamped "Paul Göldner/Halle a.S." and "1933" between the belt loops, with "Bahnschutz/RBD Halle(S)" to the right. RBD (Reichsbahndirektionen, Reichs Railway Division). Halle was one of 24 subdivisions responsible for railway operations in the Third Reich. The Bahnschutz were the uniformed police of the railway; chiefly staffed with SA and SS men, they were responsible for security and law enforcement on the rail lines, dealing with both petty criminals and potential saboteurs. During the war, Halle, also known as Halle an der Saale (Halle on the Saale River), and its surroundings were the location of the aircraft manufacturer Siebel (and the subcamp of Buchenwald that supplied it forced labor) as well as a mustard gas plant; Bahnschutz men may have been called upon to provide security for rail transportation to and from those facilities. From surviving examples of Bahnschutz equipment, the Walther PP semi-automatic could be considered the typical sidearm of the Bahnschutz, with only a few examples known of Luger holsters bearing their markings (see page 137 of Eugene Bender's "Luger Holsters & Accessories" for a similarly marked holster). Sold for $3,133.

Pictured are a few examples:
   1. RIA 2013 Paul Goldner RBD Halle holster, sold for $3133,
   2. Poulin 2015 Auction, Bahnschutz holster, front view only,
   3. eBay Auction, 1933 Paul Goldner Halle a. S. holster,
   4. RIA 2018, Bahnschutz RBD Halle S holster offering,
   5. Luger Holsters & Their Accs., P137 Bahnschutz holster, M. Morris.

Note the late 1920’s and early 1930’s Prussian state police brown holsters are Landjägerie and black holsters are Schutzpolizei.^[2]

● The earliest dated new manufacture, second pattern regulation police holster is 1929. Pictured is a brown leather 1929 dated SCHAMBACH & Co. -BERLIN marked police holster with a Weimer era Sunburst K police inspection stamp; view 1

● Pictured is a brown leather 1929 dated Robert Larsen – Berlin police holster with a Weimar era Sunburst K police inspection stamp and marked L.G. 413 or Landjägerei Gumbinnen; view 1 and view 2.

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● Pictured is a brown leather 1929 dated Robert Larsen – Berlin police holster with a Weimar era Sunburst K police inspection stamp and marked L.H. 197 or Landjägerei Hannover with an Imperial crown/D and 197 stamped loading tool; view 1, view 2 and view 3. This holster has been incorrectly described as an Air Surveillance Departments Police holster or Luft Hannover based on a © 1993 publication titled German Small Arms Markings by Joachim Görtz & Don L. Bryans. This association is not supported by any distinguishing markings different from any other Landjägerei marked Police holsters.

● Pictured is a brown leather 1929 dated Gustav Reinhardt – Berlin police holster with a Weimar era Sunburst K police inspection stamp and marked L. Sch.137. or Landjägerei Schleswig; view 1, view 2 and view 3.

● Pictured are two views of a 1933 dated A. FISCHER – BERLIN C.2, sunburst (1929-36) stamped police holster, issue or pistol serial number 38. View 1 and view 2.

● Pictured is a black dyed 1933 dated Robert Larsen – Berlin police holster with a Weimar era (1929-36) Sunburst police inspection stamp and P08 pistol issue number S.E.I. 355. 1014 stamped on the back side along with an Eagle/Mg10 stamping, considered by Luger collectors to be rare on holsters, particularly on Police Luger holsters. The S.E.I. 355. 1014 stamping is believed to be for Schutzpolizei Erfurt, however, the I. of S.E.I. is unknown. It is the Eagle/Mg10 stamping that requires explanation. Per Luger collectors the E/Mg10 marking is rarely encountered. The subject Police holster E/Mg10 stamping is recognized by collectors as authentic, based on three examples seen on WwMg/41 dated WW2 military issued P08 holsters. Collectors state the following regarding the WwMg/41 marking: Opinion on these stamps has differed over the years, but current thought is that the marks may be attributed to the waffenwerk depot at Magdeburg. The first stamp of WwMg/41 may signify Waffenwerk Magdeburg. The E/Mg10 is thought to be the inspector stamp or proof marking used at this depot. Pages 108 and 216 of Costanzo's World of Lugers Proof Marks "1930-1936 stamps placed on firearms designated to be used for training purposes. The initials MG represent machine gun and the number being (page 108) 10th Training Corps or (page 216) with the 10 denoting the team number.

It should be noted that the World of Lugers Proof Marks ©1977 by S. Constanzo, page 108 pictured E/Mg10 eagle is a different style from the subject E/Mg10 eagle. Furthermore, later style, purportedly Magdeburg Depot rework Mg10 Stick Wing eagle stamps have been identified on the rear frame of P08 Lugers that are much smaller than the earlier and larger Weimar eagle style E/Mg10 stampings of the 41 dated WwMg/41 and E/Mg10 P08 holsters and of the subject Police holster. Additionally perplexing and unclear is the reason or purpose for a stand-alone E/Mg10 Nazi Swastika stamping on a 1933 dated Robert Larsen Weimar era Police holster. Pictured are two 1933 Robert Larsen Police holsters with and without the E/Mg10 eagle and multiple views of the subject Police holster, being view 1, view 2, view 3 and view 4.

● Pictured is a brown leather 1934 dated Robert Larsen – Berlin police holster with a Weimar era Sunburst L police inspection stamp and P08 pistol issue number or serial number 6710; view 1 and view 2.

● Pictured is a brown leather 1935 dated Robert Larsen – Berlin police holster with an eagle over circled K police inspection stamp and P08 pistol issue number or serial number 7307; view 1, view 2 and view 3.

● Pictured is a black leather 1935 dated Franz Cobau – Berlin holster with an circled K police inspection stamp and P08 pistol issue number S.P.R. 127; view 1, view 2 and view 3.

● Pictured is a brown leather 1935 dated Robert Larsen – Berlin police holster with a TP or Technische Polizeischule property stamp and P08 pistol issue number or serial number 7691; view 1, view 2 and view 3.

● Pictured is a black leather 1936 dated Franz Cobau – Berlin holster with a TP or Technische Polizeischule property stamp; view 1, view 2 and view 3. 1935 and 1936 are the only known manufacturing dates for the TP or Technische Polizeischule property marked holsters.

● Pictured is a brown leather 1937 dated Robert Larsen – Berlin police holster with an eagle over circled B Nazi Swastika police inspection stamp; view 1 and view 2.

● Pictured is a brown leather 1939 dated Kern Klager & Cie – Berlin police holster with an eagle over circled Nazi Swastika police inspection stamp; view 1 and view 2.

● Pictured is a 1941 dated OTTO SINDEL – BERLIN police holster with an eagle over circled Nazi Swastika police inspection stamp; view 1, view 2 and view 3.

● Pictured is a 1941 dated SCAMBACH & Co – BERLIN brown leather police holster with an eagle over circled Nazi Swastika police inspection stamp; view 1, view 2, view 3 and view 4.

● Pictured is a 1942 dated A. Fischer – Berlin C.2 police holster with an eagle over circled Nazi Swastika police inspection stamp; view 1 and view 2.

● Pictured is a 1943 dated SCHAMBACH & Co. -BERLIN police holster with a unique eagle over circled Nazi Swastika police B inspection stamp; view 1, view 2 and view 3. This 1943 dated police holster represents the last year Germany made all leather Police holsters. Only two are identified in publications and only partial pictures. The subject holster is the third such holster identified. A single example exists of an extremely rare 1943 dated variation, made of impregnated pressed paper and is pictured in TPLAP, V3, page 1245 Fig. 19-105, formally of the Dr. G.L. Sturgess collection, currently, as of this writing, being offered by a noted dealer for an equally extremely rare four-digit price.

● Possibly post-WW2 East Germany DDR Police holster with an under-the-cover flap, ink stamped maker in three lines: Koffer- u. Lederwarghnfabrik Zeitz–S.L.V.–Saale–Zeitz or Holster and Leather Goods Factory Zeitz–S.L.V.–Saale–Zeitz. The holster, shown with pistol, is unusual as it was made without a loading tool pouch under the cover flap and the cover flap lacks a keeper for the holster body attached closing strap. The Police holster rear is stamped with the P.08 pistol issue number or serial number 1021.

There was an identical Zeitz marked holster offered for $695 on the web site of a major Luger retailer, however, stating in the description, specifically, that the holster is a WW2 police issue: ">WW2 police issue. Faint illegible ink stamp inside the flap (Zeitz?). No tool pouch. Serial number stamped on the back corner 9436. Has been dyed black long ago. Original stitching intact. Over all good condition.

● Akah made commercial holsters in the 1920’s and 1930’s with some used by the Germen Polizei. Pictured is a brown leather example with regulation holster body attached holster body spare magazine pouch with up-strap and cover flap keeper slit and steel stud closure. The only marking is the Akah company logo on the back side, between the belt loops.

Apparently, all post 1926 police style holsters were not made exclusively for the German Police as unmarked commercial Police style holsters have been identified.

An unusual Police marked holster

Featured is a WW2 police style holster marked WaAJL16 on the rear between the bell loops along with a 4-digit 1108 believed to be a Police P.08 serial number. The seller states that: It is said this marking was used to indicate issue to security guards at military installations. Pictured are view 1 and view 2 of this unusual marked police holster.

Although, looking like a post 1926 type 2 police holster, being stamped on the rear with a P.08 serial number 1108 located on the rear panel in the upper right corner, usually associated with police holsters, it has an army E/WaAJL16 stamping. The unusual marking is located between the belt loops. The only known publication that mentions the E/WaAJL16 stamping is found in World of Lugers, a.k.a. WOL, ©1977 by S. Costanzo on page 105, described as a “1933 Heers Waffen Amt proof. Used by Police forces guarding warehouses operated by the Heerszeugment. Most observed are reworks with double date or blank chambers of DWM and ERFURT.”(shown below) The eagle proof differs from recognized Police Luger eagle stamped holsters, which are usually not associated with E/WaA control numbers.

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Additionally, pictured below are pages 94 and 95 of WOL showing an early supply poof E/HZa.JL.16, two army equipment depot proofs E/HZA.J.L.3 and HZA.JL.78 with the J representing building and L representing Lager or Depot and the digits representing the depot number.

These HZA markings, excluding the WaAJL16 stampings which, as Costanzo states was specifically used by police forces guarding warehouses operated by the Heerszeugment. The HZA stampings are described by Costanzo as being found on P.08 Lugers issued to security guards of military installations only, with no mention of the WaAJL16 being marked on P.08 style Police holsters.

The subject WaAJL16 stamped Police style holster is the first one of two noted examples with the second WaAJL16 stamped holster being a P.08 Army style holster which has generated much collector speculation and opining. Note, these two WaAJL16 holsters are in private collections and are not pictured or discussed in any prior Luger publications, except on Luger forum sites with the last mention of the WaAJL16 stampings being discussed in 2008.

The 2008 discussions were “all over the map” with collectors stating that the WOL Costanzo comments were incorrect, disputing the WaAJL16 stamp as incorrectly interpreted by Costanzo as being WaAJt16.

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Luger collector comments

Opinion 1: I have come across a very nice WW1 style holster that has some unusual markings. It has no maker mark nor date...Presumably a commercial.

On the back, between the belt loops is a Nazi Eagle, short wings...Almost Police looking but cannot be as it is a WaA...The # appears to be JL16. WaAJL16. There are impression lines around this WaA both top and bottom where the edges of the stamp have struck the leather. The weirdest part is the stamp on the inside back panel. There is a Luftwaffe Eagle 2. It is very tiny.

Now...This holster displays three distinct branches of service either real or fake. WaA-Army, Luftwaffe Eagle 2-Air Force. A 108 is found in the upper right backside corner, what could be considered a Police serial marking?

This is exactly what I believe happened to this holster. It was procured from private stock...What real difference would it make to the Heers WaA if they ordered a new holster or procured one from existing stock? When the holster enters military service, it is inspected and proofed.

This is particularly believable as this holster was not for a primary combat activity. Simply a guard at a warehouse. It didn't really have to exactly comply or match others issued to a military unit preparing for battle.

All of this is conjecture of course but it stands up to close inspection. If one were to attempt to take a WW1 holster & bubba it up for profit. This is one heck of an obscure way to do it!

Opinion 2: I'm convinced that this is an Air Factory Werkschutz holster. Goering kept them under control of the Luftwaffe Air Ministry while all other Werkschutz units were controlled by the Ordnungspolizei. This would account for the Luftwaffe acceptance stamp. The E/WaAJL16 is, by all accounts to date, similar to, or a variation of, the acceptance stamp for Factory Guard/Werkschutz issue.

Opinion 3: I strongly believe what you have is a Heeres-Zeugamt produced holster. The actual marking is likely WaAJt18. "Jt" being the abbreviation for the Ingolstadt HZa. This was the largest of the HZa's and located in Bavaria. I have several lugers and Broomhandles with the "HZaJt18" marking on them. The Germans used the letter "J" instead of "I" quite often to avoid confusion with the number "1." (he Americans actually did the same thing as most American Regiments did not have a "I" Company, but skipped from "H" Company to "J" Company) Constanzo got this one completely wrong, and the marking is definitely from the late '30's not '20s, and please disregard nonsense about the building # assignments. The Ingolstadt HZa was the only one to have a production code, I believe it was "jlj." As to the luftamt I do not know, but the Army HZa's still equipped the Luftwaffe and Waffen SS, so it makes sense. Since the HZa used the WaAJt instead of the HZaJt stamp, I would suspect it was a new made item and not a reissued piece. Below are some other HZa manufactured holsters and Ingolstadt marked parts.

The Cut-Back LP.08 Artillery Luger holsters

Pictured is a 1915 dated P. Braunleder Cöln made LP.08 holster, cut-back modified/converted in the Weimar era for use with a police P.08, 4-inch barrel Luger. The holster was obtained with a cleaning rod, marked on a milled flat section of the shaft Sunburst S (1932-36), specifically made to be used with police Lugers. These cut-back, modified/converted artillery LP.08 holsters are discussed in Weimar Lugers by J. Still © 1993 on page 174, Fig. 45a and in The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols a.k.a. TBLAP by †Görtz/Sturgess, © 2011 & 2012, VIII, on pages 1262-1264 and pictured on page 1262, Fig. 19-130. Pictured is another modified example.

In the TBLAP, Fig. 19-130 text caption Sturgess specifically states that the cleaning rod pouch of the pictured cut-back artillery to police holster, currently of the LOB collection, was modified to carry the police cleaning rod with added brass stopper, which is inaccurate as the police brass stop cleaning rod with a seven ring wooden handle cannot be inserted past the added, upper leather cleaning rod pouch section, securing cover flap brass stud as the bell-shaped, rather large 13 m/m diameter brass stopper, permanently affixed to the much smaller 5.5 m/m diameter of the steel cleaning rod, engages the protruding internal metal retaining lip of the added cleaning rod pouch brass stud. Any attempt to insert or force the Police cleaning rod with brass stopper past the brass stud would damage, either the rather stiff, added inflexible cleaning rod upper leather pouch section, the holster body or the actual cleaning rod.

Either the original placement of the holster body cleaning rod pouch/sleeve entrance lip was incredibly low, with the entrance lip being 46 m/m below the holster body spine edge entrance lip, requiring the addition of a 33 m/m length leather strip, raising the entrance to within 15 m/m of the holster body spine entrance lip. Subsequently, one would expect the resulting increase in height of the cleaning rod pouch/sleeve to require the higher relocation of the cleaning rod cover flap yet, interestingly, there is only one, apparently original cover flap stitching line evident as shown by an internal view.

The purpose of the added entrance leather section with a second brass stud to the cleaning rod pouch is therefore unclear, and without removing the original brass stud creates a second barrier to inserting the cleaning rod, however, there is no issue with the insertion of a navy, six ring wooden barrel handle, 5.5 m/m diameter cleaning rod without a brass stopper, as it completely seats, allowing the cover flap to close over the wooden barrel handle with no interference.

The conclusion being is that the modification, if indeed done for the reason described, was an ill-conceived, poorly thought out exercise that didn’t work out, and that the special Police cleaning rod with added brass stopper, as stated by some Luger authors, was never intended to be carried in a cut-back Artillery to Police holster, with the subject holster being the sole published example so modified. Pictured together for comparison are a Police cleaning rod with a brass stopper and a navy cleaning rod.

A noted holster collector and expert states after examining pictures of the subject unidentified maker cut-back Artillery to Police holster that: The cleaning rod leather section added to the subject Artillery cleaning rod pouch or sleeve, came from an original sleeve. The lower of the two (brass) studs is not an original German stud. The base is too thick and the ball shape is incorrect.

The above theory suggests holster cannibalism of German and non-German holsters in the reconfiguration of these Artillery holsters to Police holsters, while not offering an alternate explanation as to the intent or purpose of the current configuration of the subject cut-back, unidentified maker Artillery holster. Additionally, it seems incongruous that a 1920s “post WW1 manufacture” brass stud was added or replaced when clearly period correct brass studs were available as attested by the added brass stud, while the apparent goal was to modify the cleaning rod pouch/sleeve and cover flap to accommodate a Police cleaning rod as the lower “replaced” brass stud would clearly interfere with the insertion of a Police cleaning rod.

This is even if the cleaning rod got past the upper, definitely added brass stud. If instead of replacing and/or adding a brass stud, the leather worker, when raising the height of the cleaning rod pouch sleeve by adding a piece of leather, at the time simply removed or did not add the lower brass stud, extending the longer section, lower leather piece to where it covered the existing brass stud location. This assumes that the cut-back Artillery to Police holster and the modification of the cleaning rod/pouch/sleeve and cover flap were contemporaneous operations.

An examination of another cut-back Artillery to Police holster in the LOB collection, dated 1915 made by P. Braunleder Cöln challenges the above conclusions regarding the upper and lower brass studs. An examination of the P. Braunleder Cöln cleaning rod pouch/sleeve brass stud shows a completely different shape of style and size of either of the two different lower and upper brass stud shapes of the subject cut-back Artillery to Police holster. An inspection of other pre-WW1 Artillery holster/stocks in the collection shows yet another shape/style and size of cleaning rod pouch/sleeve affixed brass stud. Pictured for comparison are two different examples of Artillery holster cleaning rod pouch/sleeve brass studs with demonstrably different shapes and sizes or dimensions. A 1914 Gustav Reinhardt Berlin example 1 and a 1915 P. Braunleder Cöln example 2.

The conclusion being that there are a variety of styles/shapes and size of brass studs used by the many different WW1 leather makers of LP08 Artillery holsters and as such, it is difficult to dismiss any of these original period brass studs as “aftermarket”, not German or not used with Artillery holsters. Additionally, since the subject holster body attached cleaning rod, cut-back from the original, approximately 230 m/m length to 180 m/m length (or 210 m/m total with the added 30 m/m section) leather pouch/sleeve is original to the holster body, as attested by the original stitching.

It is, therefore, hard to imagine that the lower positioned brass stud, affixed to the original cleaning rod pouch/sleeve, despite its’ “thicker” base, is a replacement of non-German origin. Pictured are multiple views of the four brass studs and their dimensions used with the subject holster.

Regarding the necessity to modify a cut-back Artillery to Police holster cleaning rod pouch/sleeve to accommodate a Police cleaning rod is questioned, as the 1915 P. Braunleder Cöln cut-back Artillery to Police holster, as stated earlier, was acquired with a Police steel shaft cleaning rod with brass stopper, fully inserted in the original, unmodified cleaning rod pouch/sleeve, albeit a cover flap modified by adding a section of leather, allowing the cover flap to completely close over the seven ring wooden barrel Police cleaning rod handle.

Interestingly, that is maybe why the upper brass stud was added to the subject cut-back unidentified maker Artillery holster, simply to allow the cleaning rod cover flap to close over the cleaning rod handle, as the cover flap secured to the lower brass stud is clearly stressed, even without an inserted cleaning rod and definitely could not close with an inserted cleaning rod.

It is, therefore, not necessary in some cases, as the above 1915 P. Braunleder Cöln example shows, to modify these cut-back Artillery to Police holsters to accommodate a Police cleaning rod as the leather flexibility, size and wall thickness varies between manufactures of WW1 Artillery holsters, specifically the cleaning rod pouches/sleeves from stiff, thick and less flexible leather to supple, thinner and more malleable leather, such as used with the 1915 P. Braunleder Cöln example.

Although, common to both cut-back Artillery holsters featured herein, as originally made, was the inability to close the cleaning rod pouch/sleeve cover flap over a fully inserted Police cleaning rod without modifications, being the addition of a second, higher located brass stud on the subject example 1 unidentified maker cut-back Artillery to Police holster cleaning rod pouch/sleeve and the necessity of adding a section of leather, attached above the original cover flap location to the example 2, 1915 P. Braunleder Cöln cut-back Artillery to Police holster cleaning rod pouch/sleeve cover flap.

Apparently, as to whether to modify the cleaning rod pouch/sleeve and or cover flap of a cut-back Artillery to Police holster to accommodate a Police cleaning rod is necessary, all depends on the availability multiple makers of used and unused WW1 Artillery holsters to different Artillery holster leather makers in 1920s Germany that were available to a host of leather craftsmen to be refurbished for Police use. In actuality, a really rhetorical issue, as except for the two pictured and discussed holsters, being the only known published examples noted to date.

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It is interesting that the well-known Luger dealer that sold the Sturgess cut-back LP.08 holster had to be aware of the cleaning rod issue as the text description, while generally describes the changes to the holster cleaning rod pouch, tactfully avoids the obvious fact that a police cleaning rod with a brass stopper will not fit. Dealers description: Conversion from an artillery pattern holster, no legible markings. Retains the cleaning rod pouch along the leading edge. Brass stud added to the (cover) flap, additional brass stud added to the cleaning rod pouch. Retains the original loops on the back for straps, no belt loops. Stitching intact. Over all good condition. From the Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess collection.

Other than the most notable features of the cut-back artillery holsters is the toe plug and the cleaning rod sleeve of these former artillery Luger holsters, none are the same, as there are other changes, such as method of carry, where Sturgess in TBLAP suggests, that with the lack of belt loops they were carried over the shoulder, somehow utilizing the rear attached leather stock block, although some examples have been modified to a single loop belt carry by rotating the back-side attached single, horizontal leather stock block strip and removing the center block. Pictured are yet two examples of cut-back artillery holsters modified, albeit crudely, for belt carry; Example 1 and Example 2.

These cut-back LP.08 holsters were used or at least modified/converted until 1928 when a new style of police holster was introduced without a holster spine attached cleaning rod sleeve, replacing it with a spare magazine pouch. That is not to say that the use of the converted LP.08 holsters were subsequently discontinued with the introduction of the new style police holsters, but could have been used into the early 1930’s and beyond with a Weimar era made, seven ring wooden barrel handle cleaning rod, as mentioned, specifically made for use with police Lugers, introduced sometime in the late 1920’s, and later in the early 1930’s, many being police acceptance marked on the shaft.

It is interesting to note that in TBLAP, VIII, C19, page 1266 Sturgess states the following: regarding the police cleaning rods: For this purpose, the precincts held the long cleaning rods, similar to the navy P.04 pattern, onto which a brass travel stop was soldered, used in conjunction with the Mündungsschoner (muzzle protector), which was too bulky to fit into any holster (cleaning rod sleeve) compartment and in any case served no purpose if carried on patrol. This statement appears to be somewhat contradicted, where earlier on page 1262 Fig. 19-130 pictures a cut-back LP.08 holster with a text caption, specifically and unequivocally, stating that the holster cleaning rod sleeve was modified by addition of a wider top section and second stud to accommodate the long Police cleaning rod with soldered on travel stop… i.e., if a police cleaning rod with brass stopper won’t fit the original cleaning rod sleeve, what difference would it make, dimensionally, to extend the length and not the diameter of the holster body leather cleaning rod sleeve?

In actuality, both above statements are correct, as the first statement that a majority of the cut-back LP.08 holsters used by the police are without a police cleaning rod is accurate, however, in cannot be denied that some, at least one, in this instance, was modified (unsuccessfully), specifically to carry the police cleaning rod as evidenced the very rare subject example. Regarding the use of the police cleaning rod in the field it can be used without the barrel affixed Mündungsschoner or muzzle protector.

Despite the fact that both Weimar Lugers and The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols book publications picture and describe cut-back artillery Luger holsters as specifically modified for police Luger carry, there are no Luger book published, period pictures of German Police with a cut-back artillery Luger holster, nor with any standard, non-police P.08 type Luger holster. It is also unlikely that any of the cut-back artillery holsters will be located with police markings as per TBLAP VIII, C19 page 1267 where it states: Modified army pattern holsters, whether of short LP.08 pattern originally, were not subject to formal inspection and marking upon conversion to the police pattern.

Verkehrsposten der Schutzpolizei, Berlin 1924

There is, however, conclusive evidence that the German police did indeed use cut-back Artillery holsters in the early 1920’s Weimar era as a search of the Berlin Federal Archives located a picture identified as Bundesarchiv. Bild (picture) 102-00327A Foto: o .Ang. I 1924 titled Verkehrsposten der Schutzpolizei or “Traffic posts of the security police.” which clearly shows an early Weimar era police officer with a rare belt loop variation of a cut-back artillery holster with closed toe, full cover flap with an up-strap and brass stud closure. Clearly identified on the facing edge holster spine is a period artillery Luger cleaning rod pouch with brass stud and leather slit cover flap.

Since these cut back LP08 holsters, at least in the Weimar era, had no provision for a spare magazine, the police officer carries a twin magazine pouch on his belt. Based on the year 1924 the holster is most likely brown. The added belt loops are based on two other, more extensively converted artillery to police holsters discussed below. Additionally, based on
 
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the folded-over or closed holster body toe of the pictured 1924 example that twin belt loops were added to the holster rear. Interestingly, the cut-back artillery to purportedly, police conversions with toe plugs rarely have added twin belt loops.  Shown is an apparently cold police officer in front of a Weimar era Polizeiwache or Police Station with the final, second pattern design police holster.

Example 1. 1918 Dingeldey & Werres-Berlin cut-back artillery to police holster, Luger holstered s/n 5008

The first pictured example of a multiple conversion of an artillery to police holster conversion was done to a 1918 dated Dingeldey & Werres-Berlin artillery holster. The holster conversion was similar to the below example 2 except that it is stamped on the rear with the original holstered police Luger serial number 5008, and fortunately the holster still retains the matching 5008 serial number stamped loading tool. Interestingly, this example used the expected regulation police holster up-strap and stud closure. The holster front is stamped L.Z.A. or Leder Zuweisungs Amt (Leather Allocation Office) over a Prussian Eagle over J. Berlin. The L.Z.A. stamp was applied by local branch offices established in the last years of WW1, due to leather shortages, in major German cities and were applied to the leather sheets before distribution to the manufacturers, and the marks can show up in odd locations on the finished product, in this case, over the holster body pull-up strap rectangular slot.

Example 2. S.B.13.435 - Berlin unit 13 - Pistole s/n 9140e

There are at least two examples, as of this writing of a cut-back artillery Luger holster, where there is no doubt that a “multiple” conversion was done for, and specifically assigned to, and marked by the German Police. Pictured is one such unique example. The first modification was from an artillery holster to a police holster in the early to mid-1920’s by cutting back to a P.08, 4-inch barrel length and is the first example not to add a toe plug, but instead by closing out or terminating the holster body toe like a standard P.08 holster. As a result, the holster is about ¾ of an inch longer than the typically encountered cut-back artillery holster with a toe plug. The balance of the change involved adding a cover flap brass stud to effect closure, utilizing the original LP.08 holster body up-strap and it is certain in this first conversion that the holster rear leather shoulder strap stock block was retained. 

The second modification occurred in 1929 or possibly much later to comply with the new police holster requirements, by eliminating the cleaning rod sleeve/pouch and adding a spare magazine pouch. It is assumed that at the time of the conversion the holster was still brown.

It is uncertain how long the holster remained in the pre-1928 first conversion, shortened LP.08 police pattern as the balance of the changes that constitute the second conversion are unique to this holster, starting with the removal of the up-strap, cover flap keeper and brass stud, plugging the cover flap stud anchor hole, and replacing the original artillery up-strap with a non-standard for a police holster, originally black paint/enamel coated metal belt buckle, keeper and strap cover flap closure. The “cut-back”, first conversion feature of the subject police holster involved forming a regular curved, P.08 holster style, closed, stitched toe.

Normally, as stated above, these cut-back artillery holsters utilized a toe plug, in this case the subject holster is about ¾ of an inch longer, allowing the leather smith enough materiel to fold over the toe opening, mostly conforming to the 1929 and later police holsters. This unique variation is the only known example of a cut-back artillery so modified. Below is continuing description of the second and final conversion.

In the example 2 conversion, to a complete P.08 style holster, the rear, horizontal leather stock block was removed and twin belt loops were added, curiously, one wider than the other, which may be a later repair replacement. Remnants of the original artillery holster body up-strap attachment are visible; the cover flap keeper strap and the brass stud were removed and the hole was plugged in the cover flap and a belt buckle/strap closure, as stated above was added. The original brown leather holster was probably dyed/swabbed black, at this time, to conform to regulations. The die application was quite sloppy in some areas, an example being the loading tool pouch located inside the cover flap where the black die was applied with the cover flap closed. Opening the loading tool cover flap reveals the original brown leather.

Faint, illegible makers markings are stamped inside the cover flap. Police unit marked on the back is S.B.13.435 (Municipal Police, Berlin unit 13) as described by the seller. P.08 police Luger pistol, serial number 9140e is stamped on the back as well. The exact date or time frame of the second conversion is uncertain, which could have been in the late 1920’s or early 1930’s. It is possible the second conversion was even later, around the start of WW2, and if true would
 
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be a very rare, late date for a second conversion of a WW1 artillery holster to a P.08 style, police unit marked holster.  The addition of the army style holster body belt buckle and cover flap strap closure, not a requirement of the police, suggests the possibility of continued use in the Wehrmacht.^[3]

There is one other cut-back artillery LP.08 holster converted to a P.08 similar style holster, except that it is unmarked and, as such, cannot be associated with police use. Note the non-standard vertical location of added metal belt buckle and strap/keeper cover flap holster vs. the regulation positioned and angled location of the subject cut-back artillery LP.08 holster to P.08 holster police marked S.B. 13. 435 Municipal Police – Berlin unit 13 – Pistol s/n 9140e.

It is curious that the subject converted LP.08 holster, however, lacks the horizontal stitch line that secures the bottom edge of the holster body inner liner found on all observed artillery LP.08 holsters, original and converted.

In the publication History Writ in Steel by Don Maus © 2009, chapter 6, page 86, Figure 6-6 discusses and shows a similar marked, cut-back artillery holster, unfortunately, showing only the holster marking, not the holster, leaving the exact configuration of the holster unknown, thus making the subject, uniquely modified holster, the only known published example.

WW1 Imperial army P08 holster conversion to Police Holster

Pictured is a WW1 P08 army holster modified to a Police holster in the 1920s or possibly early 1930s by removing the angled buckle and strap closure, converting to the police type closure by adding a pull-up strap to the holster body and adding a steel stud^[4] and leather keeper strip to the cover flap. One of the belt loops appears to be replaced. The lower attachment of the left belt loop has been crudely reinforced with wire, probably while in service. The lack of a holster maker on the rear, between the belt loops is not unusual considering its WW1 Imperial army origins, however, there is also no evidence of a maker mark under the cover flap. The added cover flap leather keeper strip is correctly attached with single line stitching.

The holster was dyed black as evidenced on the holster body back panel original brown color. While lacking a rear horizontal stitch line, the holster body cavity rear ½ panel is secured at the lower edge by the lower belt loop stitching. Faded roman numeral ink stampings on the inside cover flap indicate Imperial army, possibly depot origins.

This Police holster definitely was used in two different locations or districts as indicated by the S. Hn. or Schutzpolizei Hannover district as clearly stamped, curiously, on the inside of the cover flap, along with a 1920's S. H. 133. marking and in Berlin as indicated by the S.B. 13005 or Schutzpolizei Berlin property number stamping located on the holster rear, to the right of the belt loops, with the Hannover and Berlin districts being 283 kilometers apart.

It is curious that the Hannover Police markings, S. Hn. and - S. H. 133. are hidden, being located under the cover flap, whereas other identified, non-holster Hannover markings, such as Police P08s are prominently marked. History Writ in Steel © 2009 by L. Donald Maus in Chapter 9, on page 139 the author states: The markings from the Hannover district are some of the most confusing I’ve seen. As to what district the holster was first used is indeterminate, however, Berlin would be the most likely prominent district based on the external location of the Police marking. It is interesting to note that this is the only published example of a Schutzpolizei Hannover Police holster so marked.

Regarding the – S. H.133. stamping, there is enough room to the left of the defined and enhanced rectangular cartouche type enclosed – S. H.133. stamping for another letter or number, but since the upper portion of the left side rectangle enclosure line is partially obscured by the steel washer, resulting in a light stamping, missing a possible letter or number, which is a result of stamping too close to the underside washer, securing the cover flap steel stud.

Additionally, this holster was used extensively as evidenced by its less than pristine condition, possibly being carried in the late days of the war in the defense of Berlin. Pictured are view 1, view 2 and view 3 of the subject Police holster.

Police Lugers

Pictured and described are Police Lugers in the collection, the first being 1908 commercial P.08 s/n 69859 shown with a period police holster. Per Weimar Lugers by J. Still © 1993, page 174, Figure 45a, the below pictured holster is an LOB example of the first style, first pattern, pre 1925 new manufacture Weimar era, unmarked police holster.  Also, the same holster is pictured with a 1908/13 five-digit s/n commercial-military-police Luger. 

Pictured are multiple views of the above mentioned 1908/13 Commercial-Army-Police P.08 Luger, s/n 69859, one of approximately 450 M1908 commercial P.08 Lugers appropriated by the Imperial German army as indicated by the installed sear safety, later assigned to the German NAZI Police per Imperial Lugers by J. Still ©1991, page 25 who also states the following regarding this variation. Interestingly, this pistol was part of an early period, fancy wooden case, which included provisions for two spare magazines, cleaning rod, box of period ammunition and a loading tool.

The second being a 1920’s chamber stamped commercial P.08 Luger 9754r that is forward gripstrap police marked lengthwise S. M. 1704. or (Prussia) Schutzpolizei Münster 1074 - Protection Police, Münster district 7. ^[5]  The S. M. 1074 markings are “crossed-out with an “X” punch and re-stamped, positioned perpendicular at the forward gripstrap toe with an added Ostsee property number O.1057.  The reassignment of 9754r to the Weimar navy explains the removal of the Sear Safety and the Magazine Safety.

The third is a late 1920’s sear bar and magazine safety, German acceptance stamped E/WaA66 Police Luger s/n 4559t with the forward gripstrap marked as unit marked weapon number L.W.58. Landjägerei Wiesbaden or the Prussian rural constabulary, Wiesbaden district. Regarding the completely intact magazine safety of 4559t, very few of these police Lugers survived as nearly all of these magazine safety assemblies were deactivated by cutting off the front end of the mechanism under a decree of May 1937.

The fourth is a very early 3-digit, circa 1930 production DWM/Mauser commercial/Police Luger serial number 873V. An identical pistol variation is aptly described in Pistole Parabellum by ƚGortz/Sturgess, © 2011 & 2012,  V2, C23, P606, figure 546 text caption. The 662V  serial number described in the text caption was substituted with 873V. Per C. Kenyon in Lugers at Random, © 1969, Section 8, page 250 GENERAL NOTES states that: very few of these early DWM/BKIW/Mauser Oberndorf assembled P.08’s were made and very few of this variation are found with a Sear safety. Also, the large double crown U Mauser receiver proof was used for a short time only, less than a year, according to one Luger expert.

As to whether any police Lugers were used in caliber 7.65 mm is uncertain, however, one example pictured in Luger Variations by Harry Jones ©1959, page 291 titled: 1920 POLICE WITH CHAMBER MARKINGS with the claim that during police service the Sear Safety Luger was chambered for the 7.65 m/m cartridge.

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FN Browning

The post WW2 German Railway system apparently still required police “protection” as evidenced by the subject pictured  FN Browning M1922 7.65 mm pistol, stamped, interestingly, Bahnpolizei (Railway Police) U.S. Zone vs. the WW2 Bahnschutz (Railway Protection).  Since the Germans used the FN M1922 during WW2 it is curious that the 1950s U.S. Zone railway police used an earlier, relatively obscure 7.65 m/m caliber, FN Model 1922 pistol. Pictured is the holster used with the 1950s Bahnpolizei FN 1922 pistol, separate and together with pistol.

Mündungsschoner

Weimar era Police cleaning rods are easily identified by their 7-ring wooden barrel type handles vs. the Imperial era artillery LP.08 and navy P.04 with their 6-ring wooden barrel type wooden handles.The use of these new style police cleaning rods, which coincidently are the last design and use of a wooden barrel handle cleaning rod for the P.08, is described by Sturgess in TBLAP, VIII, C19, pp 1331, 1332 as follows: Most were fitted with bell-shaped brass stops, soft soldered on their shafts, to give the correct length, 130 – 135mm approximately, for cleaning the barrel of the “short” P.08 when used with the Mündungsschoner (muzzle protector) which was then in police service. Sturgess additionally describes the police cleaning rod in the Fig. 19-130 text caption: A post-WW1 new manufactured police issue cleaning rod with soft-soldered stop for use with the Mündungsschoner for the P.08….These were issued to the police on a scale of one per pistol….Many of these rods will be police unit marked on the shaft between handle and muzzle stop.

The 1928 “Instruction for the Police of the State of Prussia, (V.f.d.P.) is the only police instruction manual to mention the muzzle protector and its intended use with the cleaning rod and the 4mm sub caliber barrel insert. The instruction manual is pictured and other interesting details are described in TBLAP, VIII, Chapter 19, Page 1297, Fig. 19-172 text caption.

Other than the TBLAP published information that the police cleaning rod was used in conjunction with a Mündungsschoner or muzzle protector attached to the P.08 sight band/block, many collectors and dealers are not aware or familiar with that accessory, which is understandable, as TBLAP is the only publication that is very specific as to its use, unfortunately, though provides no picture. As an example, a major Luger dealer, who occasionally offers police cleaning rods, describes them as: “Original police issue 7¼-inch steel rod with brass muzzle stop for 4-inch barrel P.08 Luger pistols with swiveling wooden barrel shaped handle”, implying the police cleaning rods are a stand-alone tool.

Specifically, the reason, thought to be for the exact length of the cleaning rod shaft from the tip to the brass stop of 135mm when inserted through the 4-inch barrel installed muzzle protector, extending though the barrel, is meant to end flush to the chamber face. This allows the cleaning of the barrel and receiver chamber without any damage to the barrel muzzle face or damaging contact to the breechblock face. Additionally, by restricting the insertion of the cleaning rod end, with affixed Reinigungsgdocht^[6] or cleaning wick flush to the chamber face, prevents it from becoming detached, which could happen with a longer cleaning rod extending beyond the barrel/receiver chamber face.

Sturgess in TBLAP also states that the new police cleaning rods were issued to each police pistol, further stating in the Fig. 19-130 text caption picturing a cut-back LP.08 holster: that the converted LP.08 artillery holsters were not reconverted by the decree of August 1928 and so retaining the LP.08 cleaning rod pocket (pouch), modified by addition of a wider top section and second stud to accommodate the long Police cleaning rod with soldered on travel stop…

In Third Reich Lugers ©1988 by J. Still, page 174 Figure 28b describes and pictures a P.08 barrel installed ERMA muzzle protector in the text caption that states: This device fits over the muzzle of a Luger and reportedly protects the barrel rifling at the muzzle from the cleaning rod shaft. The device was manufactured by ERMA and is police E/B marked. It is identical to the 4mm conversion unit part that retains the barrel and may be one and the same. Still further states: Reportedly, muzzle protectors were issued with some Prussian State Police Lugers. Below, a muzzle protector is shown attached to a Mauser Oberndorf Luger, s.n. 1374v. The author, using the word “reportedly”, twice in the caption, suggests or implies that he is skeptical or not convinced that the ERMA pictured muzzle protector was used as described.

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J. Still, however, somewhat refutes his prior “reportedly” statements, five years later in Weimar Lugers ©1993 on page 181, Figure 47a text caption where he dismisses the (carry) use of the police cleaning rods with cut-back artillery Luger holsters where he states that: These (police cleaning) rods probably remained in Army or police stations as the brass stop prevents them for fitting in holsters.

†Joachim Görtz in Die Pistole 08 ©2004, determined, which somewhat supports the above, earlier conclusion in Weimar Lugers, where on page 239 Görtz basically stated that: The police cleaning rod with the brass stop is unsuitable for carrying with the holster.

Nevertheless, cut-back artillery Luger holsters are inexplicably associated with the new police cleaning rods and appears self-evident that possibly, some of the new design police cleaning rods with brass stops were carried in the attached cleaning rod pouches of the converted LP.08 artillery to police holsters, and they also could be found in police stations. What is unclear is the status of the Mündungsschoner or muzzle protector, which was meant to be used with the new police cleaning rods, as there is no mention as to what provisions were made regarding how or where they were carried/stored? As a matter of note the police cleaning rod could be used without the barrel attached muzzle protector. 

The subject pictured, aftermarket LOB Mündungsschoner or muzzle protector, stamped on the flat with P08 and a stick wing Nazi proof is a different variation from the ERMA stamped muzzle protector pictured on page 174, Figure 28b of Third Reich Lugers.  This legitimate variation 1 muzzle protector, as of this writing, has been known of for more than 40 years, being the first published picture of a muzzle protector, appearing in Luger by J. Walter ©1977 on page 149 described as: This device is often claimed to be part of a sub-calibre barrel insert, or even a ‘Luger Grenade Launcher’: in fact, it is simply a muzzle bush to support the cleaning rod, and thus minimize wear on the rifling. Pictured for comparison are examples 1 and 2.

It is not known if the J. Walter, page 149 pictured muzzle protector is police acceptance marked, although he does specifically state that the pictured, variation 1 muzzle protector was used in conjunction with the police cleaning rod. Pictured is a disassembled view of the subject aftermarket P08 marked and police stick wing acceptance stamped, variation 1 muzzle protector.

Pictured is another variation 1 style police S. B. 1703 marked muzzle protector attached to a P.08 barrel, which is part of a 4mm sub caliber training assembly, which could also be used as a stand-alone muzzle protector in conjunction with the new police cleaning rod with brass stopper.

As to whether it was used in that capacity is not known, however, does lend to the confusion if there was a muzzle protector, specifically made for the sole function to be used exclusively with the new brass stop police cleaning rod. Collectors tend to err toward a variation 2 style ERMA made and marked muzzle protector that is, interestingly a different mechanical design than the above, variation 1 spring tension muzzle protector that attaches to the barrel with a one-step process by sliding, then rotating clockwise, over the barrel sight band/blade assembly, then released in detent, held in place by spring tension. Pictured is a similar aftermarket P08 and police stick-wing acceptance stamped muzzle protector disassembled.

The ERMA variation 2 unit also uses a two-step attachment process, requiring 1) a threaded, slotted, circular collar assembly to be aligned with forward main section slot then, 2) inserting the two-piece muzzle protector assembly over the barrel sight band/blade, then rotating clockwise the short collar section, about 270 degrees by 1) rotating the threaded, knurled circumference edge, circular collar past the sight block/blade, locking the two-piece assembly in place. The two-piece assembly can also be installed over the barrel sight block blade assembly as a single unit with the collar slot aligned and properly threaded, leaving a proper space allowing the rear threaded section to be rotated clockwise until it is snug against the rear edge of the barrel sight band/block.

There is one unusual barrel sight band/block/blade condition will not allow the attachment of the variation 2 muzzle protector to fit over the P.08 barrel. If the width of the sight blade sliding base is too wide, it will bind in the muzzle protector collar slot. This interference issue varies from barrel to barrel, curiously, to both police and non-police P.08 9mm Lugers, depending on the width of the sight blade sliding base. Due to the different design of the variation 1 muzzle protector this particular interference issue is not encountered.

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There is no doubt as to what variation of Mündungsschoner or muzzle protector was used in conjunction with the new 1920’s police cleaning rod with brass stopper with, at least, one Weimar era police station as evidenced in Weimar Lugers,©1993 page 183, figure 47c by J. Still. Figure 47c shows a table or bench with several Police Lugers and accessories and particularly interesting in the foreground is a muzzle protector, next to three training rounds. Based on the ratio proportion of the three rounds next to the muzzle protector, clearly indicates that the pictured muzzle protector is the smaller or shorter length spring-loaded variation 1 example and not the variation 2 longer length, not spring-loaded ERMA made muzzle protector.

The variation 1 police marked 4mm sub caliber muzzle protector that can be installed in a single step seems more practical for use with the police cleaning rod. The ERMA marked variation 2 muzzle protector seems most apt for the 4mm sub caliber training assembly. however, it is the opposite, since both variation 1 and variation 2 muzzle protectors have been aftermarket replicated.

Pictured is a 4mm; excellent bore, 5'' barrel insert for Luger pistols chambered in .30 Luger (7.65mm Parabellum) with loading tool; view 1, view 2, view 3.

Pictured is a variation 1, spring loaded muzzle protector, which is the only one of two known examples of a muzzle protector used by the Wehrmacht or German army as indicated by the droop-wing eagle over WaA107 army “inspection” stamp located on the right side flat. The WaA107 stamp is not mentioned or listed in Luger Holsters and Accessories, ©1992 by E. Bender and not much is known of the WaA107 army inspection stamp as it has been found on only four holsters to date, listed below, and a 1930’s Mündungsschoner or muzzle protector:

1. WaA107 Auwärter & Bubeck, Stuttgart 1934, no example noted. Pictured is a 1938 WaA101 Auwärter & Bubeck, Stuttgart holster.
2. WaA107 Hans Römer Neu-Ulm, Donau 1936. No examples noted.WaA107 Schnellpressenfabrik Heidelberg 1939 a.k.a. K.W.K.
3. WaA107 R.W.K. 1939
4. WaA107 Mündungsschoner, circa 1934 – 1937 based on the Eagle droop-wing stamp described in The Luger Book, ©1986 by J. Walter, page 98, which, if the subject Wehrmacht muzzle protector was used in conjunction with a 4mm barrel insert, then the circa 1934 – 1937 WaA107 stamp could be considered a Wehrmacht proof stamp as there are no identical Wehrmacht acceptance stamps.

Pictured is another variation 1 muzzle protector in the collection stamped 2866 with an additional, unidentified police marking that has been partially obscured and covered with X marks and a small, unidentified police inspection stamp. Muzzle protectors along with police Lugers have been identified with police markings X’d out. Usually when this is done another identification is added. 2866 is pictured in two views, one with the X’s removed and the other enhanced, both with the intent of identifying the markings. Pictured is one such P08 police grip strap example, compared against variation 1 muzzle protector 2866, where no additional marks were added.

Police Luger Cleaning Kits

Pictured is an unknown maker German Police Luger wooden box cleaning kit with LANDESPOLIZEI ^[7] (State Police) FÜR WÜRTTEMBERG-HOHENZOLLERN^[8] marked on the wooden box sliding cover lid, which slides open to reveal five compartments containing:

1. a small bottle of Ballistol ^[9] - Waffen-Kirsch Freiberg ^[10],
2. Reinigungskette, a 220mm length pull-through nickel plated steel chain,
3. a folded, felt-like material cleaning rag,
4. Reinigungsbürste, a 55mm long x 10mm diameter barrel brush,
5. Reinigungsgdocht or cleaning wick.

Hand written in pencil on the top front edge and bottom of the box is Schöllhorn, which oddly, translates to cable puller.  

The issue date of this unknown maker Police pistole cleaning kit is post 1945, as after World War II as Württemberg was in the newly-founded States of Württemberg-Baden and Württemberg-Hohenzollern.  The kit is decidedly different in construction and contents from the official Reinigungsgerät 34 & R.G.34 für Kal. 5.6 (Cleaning Kit 34) pictured (Fig. 19-216)

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and discussed in The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols ©2010 & 2011 by †Görtz/Sturgess in Volume III, C19 Accessories, pages 1332-1333. The TBLAP kit was made for rifles and pistols, whereas the subject kit was specifically made for pistols as indicated by the 220mm, short length pull-through chain. Pictured is a Police Luger with  chain and connected brush in barrel.

Apparently, there are other, period German Police Luger wooden box cleaning kits, another example being  REINIGUNGSGERÄT FÜR PISTOLE = POLIZEI BADEN = although it is not clear as to the date of manufacture is pre or post 1945 as the state of Baden existed prior to 1945 and it wasn’t until 1946 that the state of Wurternberg-Baden was formed.

Additionally, hand written in pencil on the wooden cover is Fehrenbach, which is an area in Germany. Based on the wooden box style of the two examples, and the identical text font size and styles, that there are more of these cleaning kits with identical contents and that they are all, most likely made by the same German manufacturer.

The wooden cased German pistol cleaning kits were, apparently, not made exclusively for the P.08 Luger as a 1946 German police instruction manual titled: Die Pistolen der Polizie, dated Dresden 1946 specifically lists several pistols, including the P.08, although other pistols listed are mostly 7.65 mm caliber, all used by the German Police after WW2.

Magistrat und Polizeiverwaltung Stadt Reichenbach=Municipality and police administration City Reichenbach

Knigl. Polizei-Direction or Königliche Polizei-Richtung=Royal Police-Direction

Der Kgl. Polizei-Praesident Berlin=The Royal Police-President Berlin

Polizei-Verwaltung Halle A/S.=Police Administration Halle A/S.

Kommando der B. Landespolizei=Command of the B. (Bavarian) State Police

Police Bayonets

Pictured is an excellent condition WW2 S98 Police Bayonet made by CARL EICKHORN – SOLINGEN, It is pictured again as part of a grouping consisting of a period 1937 dated Police manual titled: 1937 PDV 3 Vorfchrift für die Waffen= und Schießausbildung der Ordnnungspistolen, a 1935 dated Police style Robert Larsen-BERLIN TP stamped holster and a rare 1908/13 triple C/X proofed commercial/military/Police Luger sn 69859. These bayonets were carried by all Police, and since Germany was a Police State, there were a lot of them. The bayonets are interesting, as most were produced during the 1920s during the Weimar period. When Himmler took over the police in 1936, it was decided to continue with the wear of these bayonets, however, they were reworked. The blade was shortened from 17 inches to 13 inches. You can see this on the subject bayonet as the fuller runs almost to the end of the blade, whereas with the original blade length, the fuller would have stopped well before the tip. These bayonets also originally had a Prussian Eagle adorned clam shell device under the grip. This was removed and the hilt was shortened accordingly.

On many Police Bayonets there are not only stamped numbers, but there were also letters proceeding the numbers that identified the city from where the bayonet was used during the Weimar period. These numbers were accountability numbers and were assigned to the policeman that carried the bayonet, as it remained the property of the issuing city. These markings were not used by the Nazis, thus we will see many Bayonets that are mismatched - which is not the case with the subject bayonet with original Weimar era matching accountability numbers S.B. (Schutzpolizei Berlin) 12022 X’d. out and what appears to be a Nazi issue number 522 added to the scabbard metal throat and bayonet handle cross-bar.

These Nazi Police bayonets are frequently described as “Dress” bayonets, which is a misnomer. This particular Police bayonet has been described not as “Dress” bayonet because it has an issue number on both the bayonet and the scabbard and as such it’s not a dress bayonet, but a duty bayonet and that they wore these on Patrol.  Note: Black scabbard & frog is city. Brown would be rural.

However, no Police bayonets, in general, were issue items, so they would be more "service" items, rather than dress. Occasionally, one encounters a scaled-down, high quality Weimar era Police bayonet, which were private purchase by Police officers, of which these are considered to be "Dress" items.

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Pictured is an exceptional example of one such Police officer private purchase, unmarked and unmodified Weimar era Police clamshell dress bayonet. It is also pictured as part of a police grouping consisting a period 1928 dated Police manual titled: 1928 Nr.7,1 Vorschrift für die Waffenausbildung der Shutzpolizei or 1928 Nr.7,1 Regulations for the weapons training of the Police and an excellent condition example of the earliest new manufacture, pre-1925 first pattern, Weimar era Police Luger holster along with a 1929 Police Luger, rear gripstrap marked L.W.58 (Landjägerei Wiesbaden, weapon number 58) with original, unmodified magazine and sear safety and an extremely rare circa 1930’s Prussian State Schutzpolizei Police Nickel Silver or Maillechort belt buckle marked FREISTAAT PREUSSEN or Free State of Prussia. ^[11]

Weimar era Police Belt Buckles or Koppelschloß

BACKGROUND: During the Weimar era, (circa 1919-1933) the largest of the independent German police forces was the Preußen Schutzpolizei, (Prussian Protection Police) in the newly established FREISTAAT PREUßEN, (Free State/Republic of Prussia), within the Weimar Republic. The new Freistaat Preußen style eagle was adopted as the emblem of the Preußen Schutzpolizei, (Prussian Protection Police) and the Preußen Kommunalpolizei, (Prussian Local/Municipal Police) and was utilized on their belt buckles. A round buckle for Officer’s ranks and a box buckle for NCO’s ranks utilizing the Freistaat Preußen eagle and are believed to have been introduced in 1921 and were utilized until 1936.

Several Weimar Era Police pictures that show the box or rectangular shape belt buckles have been identified, yet very few examples of a Police “Officer” or group wearing a FREISTAAT PREUßEN marked eagle, round belt buckle, gold or silver, has been identified. This is notwithstanding the fact that there were obviously less Weimar Era Police officers than “NCO” Police personnel. Another vexing issue is Weimar photos that shows groups of NCO Police with a mix of ordinary belt buckles and rectangular box style Weimar Prussian eagles and other Weimar Police photos of what looks to be all NCO personnel with ordinary belt buckles, suggesting the vast majority of Weimar era Police wore plain belt buckles.

Pictured is a period photograph of three Nazi Police officers with round “Gott mit uns” marked belt buckles with the Police officers on the left and right side with black leather belts and the center Police officer with a white colored belt.

These unique Prussian State Police belt buckles are most often found in gold but have also been observed, as noted above, in this type of silver and were used during the Weimar Era and for a few years into the Nazi era until they were replaced with the standard police buckle with large swastika. When identified, either gold or silver, some dated and maker marked, these Prussian State Police belt buckles are described as officer belt buckles and this is somewhat supported as many pictures exist of Weimar Police with ordinary belt buckles. Each state (Pomerania, Prussia, Silesia, etc.) had its own police buckle. Pictured is an (officers) Upper Silesian "Landespolizei" buckle.

There are other, more obscure WW1 or Weimar era police organization affiliated belt buckles with unique design emblems. Pictured is one such example with pattern likely dating from the Weimar period, identified as a German fire defense police belt buckle with a beautiful design emblem with the following inscription of: God to Honor ~ Neighbor to Defend.

Police Manuals

		1921 textbook for the police schools, Vol. 1		1921 textbook for the police schools, Vol. 2

Pictured above are two books, Band I or Volume I and Band II or Volume II published in 1921 Weimar Germany with the cover title: Das Lehrbuch für die Polizeischulen or The textbook for the police schools. On the rear cover the books contents are further described as: Der amtliche Leitfaden für preußische Polizeibeamte or The official guide for Prussian police officers. It is fortunate that both books stayed together since 1921 and were acquired as a set, both signed by the original owner.

Each faded green soft cover Lehrbuch or “text” book was printed using the early offset printing process consisting of 231 pages of Weimar era Police "Guidelines". with the following rear cover page translations, of which both Volume I and Volume II front and rear covers are identical, with the rear cover upper paragraph statement: The "Guide" compiled in the ministry's Official Directory provides clear, concise and easy-to-understand information to the police officers about their own rights and duties and how they are to deal with the daily demands of the service. Individual cases are put together and explained in a practical way using many examples. In addition, the “Guide” provides guidance on wages and pension issues for the police.

The lower underlined rear cover statement of both volumes translates to: Furthermore, all books required for the use of the police schools in all areas of knowledge on the most favorable conditions are to be obtained from the assortment of the next edition.

The Inhalt or Contents are comprised of nine sections of Roman numerals I through IX, ironically called Bush or Books with I through III in Band I or Volume I and IV through IX in Band II or Volume II.

Below is the translated Introduction section of Volume I

Introduction.

Einleitung.

Mit der am 6 Ottober 1920 durchgeführten Umbildung der Polizei hat die sachloche Zuständigfeit der neuen Polizei eine erhebliche Frweiterung ersahren. Die neue Polizii, welche grunsätzlich für den Uusendienst bestimmt und uniformiert ift, versieht nicht nur den allgemeinen Sicherheitsdienst, fondern hat auch für die Frhaltung der Ordnung, Ruhe und Reinlichteit, für die Bertehrsregelung, für die äuissere heilghaltung der Sonn= und Feiertage, das Gesangenentransportwesen und schlieslich für die Beachtung der wirtschastsportwesen Grundsätze Sorge zu tragen.

    Hierdurch werden die jungen Polizeibeamten vor neue Uufgaben bgestellt, die sich um so schwieriger erweisen, als die neue Polizei nicht nur die Gesahren politischer und wirtschastlicher Kämpse abwehren, sondern vor allem ihrer eigentlichen früheren Tatigfeit zugesuhrt werden foll.

   Der Polizeibeamte seiht sich daher den vielseitigen Uusgaben gegenüberstehen. Fr soll an dem inneren Miederausbau mit= arbeiten, die öffentliche Gicherheit, Ordnung und Ruhe fördern und vor allem jedem Bürger die Möglichteit geben, seiner sittlichen Bflicht zur Betätigung seiner geistigen und törperlichen Kräfte zum Mohle der Gesamtheit zu genügen. Gr soll seine Umtspslichten gewissenhaft erfullen, foll fachlich in seinen Masnahmen, höslich im Bertehr mit dem Publitum sein, aber auch streng gegen offensichtliche Berstösse einschreiten, andererseits alle Unlasse oder gar Uebergriffe vermeiden, durch welche die Stimmung eines erheblichen Teiles der Bevölterung noch mehr gegen die Polizei beeinslusst wird, als es leider schon der Fall ift.

Diese Frwägungen müssen die Grundlage für die Uusbildung des Polizeibeamten bilden. Wissen ist Macht, das gilt für jeden, der im öffentlichen Leben steht und vorwärstsstrebt, besonders aber für die Polizeibeamten, da ihn sein Beruf täglich und stundlich in engste Berührung mit der Bevölterung bringt. Das geistige Rüstzeug für seine Umtsausübung muss er so völlig besitzen, das ser jederzeit das Rechte trifft. Das gibt ihm den inneren halt, das ruhige Uustreten in der Dessentlichteit, den sicheren Erfolg und damit eine gesteigerte Dienstfreudigteit und Liebe zum Berufe.

Der Mangel an einschlägigen Fachbüchern ift oft betlagt worden. Die moisten sind veraltet: andererseits sind in neuerer Zeit so viele Vorschriften hinzugetommem, gass es für den Unfänger schwer ift, das Richtige herauszufinden.

Close Introduction

With the reorganization of the police carried out on 6 October 1920, the factual responsibility of the new police has been considerably expanded. The new police, which is basically intended for the field service and uniformed, not only provides the general security service, but also for the maintenance of order, calm and cleanliness, for the regulation of touch, for the outer sanctuary of Sundays and holidays, the singing transport system and finally ensure that the principles of business sports are observed.
    As a result, the young police officers are faced with new tasks, which prove to be all the more difficult since the new police not only ward off the risks of political and economic struggles, but above all are supposed to be brought back to their actual previous activities.
   The police officer is therefore faced with the varied expenses. He should work on the internal corsage, promote public security, order and tranquility and, above all, give every citizen the opportunity to fulfill his moral duty to exercise his intellectual and physical strength to the full. He should conscientiously fulfill his obligations, should be professional in his measures, be in touch with the public, but also act strictly against obvious violations, on the other hand avoid all incidents or even abuses by which the mood of a considerable part of the population is even more against those Police are involved when it is unfortunately already the case.
 These considerations must form the basis for the training of the police officer. Knowledge is power, this applies to everyone who is in public life and strives forwards, but especially for the police officers, because his job brings him into close contact with the population every hour. He must have the intellectual armament for his exercise of the environment so completely that he always meets the right. This gives him the inner support, the calm appearance in the deficiency, the sure success and thus an increased enthusiasm and love for the profession.
   The lack of relevant textbooks has often been put to the test. Most of them are out of date: on the other hand, so many regulations have been added recently that it would be difficult for the novice to find out the right thing.

Click here for translation of first page of volume II.

Pictured below are several Police Training and Instruction manuals dating from 1921 through 1949.

1921 German Police manual		For more info on 1926 Forest Police manual, click here.		1928 Vorschrift manual		1929 Polizeiverwendung Teil I
1930 Vorschrift manual		For more detailed information on the 1930s Aux Police manual, click here. Brief explanation of the Danish HIPO-organization (as the name is mentioned again and again): HIPO was a Danish corps, established 1944 by the German Gestapo, recruited among Danish traitors after, most of the Danish policemen on September 19th 1944 were arrested and sent to concentration camps in Germany. The German purpose about HIPO was clear: To help Gestapo as a Danish helping-police. The word itself 'HIPO' is a shortening in German of HIlfs-POlizei (i.e. Helping Police). HIPO was organized under - and quite similar to -the Gestapo: Some uniformed to be visible, some civil dressed working in secrecy. HIPO as well as Gestapo had their informers. But there is a very great difference: Gestapo was German, working in enemy-country. In HIlfs-POlizei you found only Danes, enemies to their own countrymen. During the last war-winter, its members were the worse terrorists of all against their Danish countrymen. They killed, tortured, blew up houses, factories and even Tivoli in Copenhagen, not for any other reasons than terrorism, ordered by Hitler personally and the Nazi occupation forces, getting more and more mad as the end came still nearer. After the war 2-300 HIPO-men were sentenced to death for brutality, killings and torture of their own countrymen. 46 of these got executed in the years 1946-50 by firing squadrons of the Danish police. Borge Villy Redsted Pertersen, alias 'Lieutenant Larsen' and other cover names, was among those who overcame. Close manual view		1932 Vorschrift manual, Teil II		1932 Vorschrift manual, Teil III
1936 P.08 Luger manual		For more information on the 1937 Vorschrift manual, click here.		1937 Bergpolizeiverordnung manual		1939 Anleitung manual Click here for more info.
1940 Vorschrift manual		1940 Heilfursorgebstimmungen manual		1940 Vorschrift manual		1941 Waffentechnischer manual
1941 Vorschrift manual		1944 Ausbildungsvorschrift manual		For more detailed information on the 1946 Dresden Police manual, click here. Post WW2 police manual, dated 1946, is titled The Police Pistols, Dresden, part of the Soviet Occupation Zone, identified of the cover as part of the “State of Saxony”. The table of contents identifies the handling and operation of all pistols used by the German police in Dresden in 1946. Translated cover of The Police Pistols, Dresden manual. Close manual view		For more detailed information on the 1949 Police manual, click here. Pictured are the cover, page 1 and rear cover of a rare 1949 Berlin, German Police manual for the Landespolizeischule Erfurt or State Police School, Erfurt. In the manual is pictured the P.08 Luger on pages 17 and 26. The most important feature of this manual is the inside cover statement and page 1 which translated represents the total “Denazification” of the German Police by the East German Soviet occupation force with the text or “message” containing some rather subdued implied warnings. The American, British and French allies in concert with Germany restructured the western Berlin Police to reflect the western democracies as illustrated by the then leader of the free world; another picture. Close manual view
To see other police manual examples, such as full pagination and other details, click here. Fraktur typeface The Fraktur font originated sometime in the 16th century and was then widely used on most documents and written works. By the 19th century, disputes over the use of Fraktur or Antigua typeface became more heated and lasted until the middle of the 20th century. The Fraktur typefaces were particularly heavily used during the rise of Nazism, when they were initially represented as true German script. The press scolded for its frequent use of "Roman characters" under "Jewish influence" and German émigrés urged to use only "German script". However, in 1941, Fraktur was banned in a Schrifterlass (edict on script) signed by Martin Bormann as so-called Schwabacher Judenlettern ("Schwabacher Jewish letters"). It is speculated that the shift was also motivated by the need to communicate with occupied territories during WW2 and the use of Fraktur would inhibit that communication. In regard to Police manuals, this language change is first noted in a 1941 Police manual versus the apparent last use of the Fraktur font in a 1940 police manual.

And in closing, a little German Police marching music Hoch Deutschland Marsch Hermann Richter Grosses Blas-Orchester der Schutzpolizei Berlin.

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[1] German soldiers during WW2 would make a climb to trees to get an Edelweiss flower. It was supposed to be "the mark of a true soldier". The pictured Edelweiss flower was found pressed in an early German Police manual.

[2] Weimar and Early Nazi holsters, © 1993 by J. Still, page 159.

[3] The Wehrmacht were the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1946.

[4] Later P08 conversions used steel studs and later new manufacture Police holsters went from brass to steel and aluminum studs.

[5] Police marking identified on page 8 of History Writ in Steel ©2009 by D. Maus.

[6] “Reiningungsdocht”, the stranded cotton waste tow which was and still is the German Army’s and Police standard weapons cleaning materiel. TBLAP, V3, C19, p1333.

[7] Landespolizei (German pronunciation: [ˌlandəspoliˈt͡saɪ], State police) is the term used to refer to all police of any one of the states of Germany.

[8] Württemberg-Hohenzollern consisted of the southern half of the former state of Württemberg and the Prussian administrative region of Hohenzollern.

[9] The product Ballistol originated from before World War I, after the German military requested an 'all-around' oil and cleaner for their rifles and equipment. The German military used it from 1905 to 1945.The chemical is a yellowish clear liquid with a consistency expected of a light oil. However, when it comes in contact with water it emulsifies, becoming a thick creamy white substance. It has a sweet and mildly pungent smell similar to black licorice

[10] Waffen Kirsch-Freiberg. Still in business and still hawking Ballistol.

[11] Maillechort, also known as German silver or nickel silver, actually contains no silver; it's an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc. Maillechort is used in watchmaking for movement plates and bridges, as an alternative to brass; it is prized for its distinctive silvery sheen. It can be plated (vintage pocket watches with maillechort plates are often gilt-finished) or left untreated - care is needed when working with untreated maillechort, as it stains easily if mishandled. The name is taken from the inventors of the alloy, Maillot and Chorier, who developed it in 1820.