Original German WWII 1944 dated Walther P38 Black Leather Softshell Holster by Gustav Genschow & Co. Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Recently purchased at an estate sale, this is a very nice condition WWII production black finished leather holster for the standard issue Walther P-38 pistol in 9mm. It is nicely maker marked and dated on the back with jhg / 44. This indicates 1944 production by Gustav Genschow ;& Co. AG, Abteilung Lederwaren-Fabriken (Leatherware Factory Department), located in Alstadt-Hachenburg, Germany. This was a sporting goods company that manufactured holsters, pouches, map cases, and other items, according to GERMAN MILITARY LETTER CODES 1939-1945 by John Walter. There is also Waffenamt inspection mark WaA41 above the maker mark.

The holster is correctly marked P38 on the upper right rear, and appears to have seen moderate use while in service. There are some light markings and stains on the inside of the holster indicating that it did hold a pistol for a time. The exterior also has wear markings on the finish. However all of the stitching is still intact, making this a solid example.

This would make a perfect addition to any wartime Walther P-38 pistol in need of a great condition original holster.

The Walther Pistole 38 (P.38) pistol was first introduced in 1938 as a replacement for the P.08. The P.38 was a more cost-efficient and more reliable in war conditions such as mud and rain. The P.08 was a typical prewar German gun, over engineered to perfection, with a sensitive toggle breech system that would malfunction when dirt was involved. The P.38 was a workhorse that did just what it was meant to do. It could handle most harsh battlefield conditions and as such the closed hardshell holster was discontinued later in the war and replaced for a partially open softshell holster. During the War close around 900,000 were produced, so the holsters were also produced in large quantities.