Victory revolver holsters for West German police

[gonzogeezer]

Hello All,

I’m taking possession of a US WWII Victory 4” revolver that was issued to the West German state of Württemberg-Baden state police force (Landespolizei) in the American Zone sometime between 1949 and 1952. The gun is stamped “WB LP”; Württemberg-Baden was established in 1949 and the name was changed to Baden-Württemberg in 1952, thus my date range estimate.

My question is what sort of holster would have been used to carry that sidearm given the status of it being carried by a state police force. Would they have simply reused a US Army holster or would a more appropriate one have been commissioned?

Thanks.

 

[VASCAR2]

In 1949-1952 it is really hard to say as I don’t recall any photos of any German Police in the time period. You might try searching for pictures of that era.

The US Army and US Army Air Corp more commonly carried 1911. The photos of revolver show a few belt holster and chest rigs were commonly used by Aircrews and tank crews.

The belt holsters were open top with a safety strap behind the hammer snapped to the exterior of the holster body.

It is common for European and Germany to use flap holsters for pistols and revolvers. It is possible the holsters were sourced locally or used existing holster in inventory. A Victory model 4”- 5” revolver might fit an German Reischsrevolver holster.

I did an internet search on S&W Victory model holster pictures and got several images. These photos will give you an idea of holsters in use by the US and maybe German Police.

 

[jpage]

Only one I've ever seen was for a 5" Victory. It was black pebble-grained leather with a full-flap. If I recall, it had a sunburst logo on the flap.

 

[DWalt]

It is probably a good assumption that a German police revolver holster would have a full flap design. I do have one German police flap holster, but it is not for a revolver.

 

[Greyman50]

WWII US holster for Victor was Brown leather with a flap with 1910 hanger. Use to have several but they went with the revolvers. Looked in some of my reference books but no luck. Will see what’s online.

 

[Absalom]

I‘m on vacation and away from my desktop photo files for a couple more weeks, or I‘d post more pictures.

Not actual US holsters as standard issue with the Victory revolvers. Common full coverage flap holster for revolvers, initially with belt loops for carry on outside uniform belt, later two D-rings for carabiner suspension from the Schultertragevorrichtung (under-tunic strap system dangling gun outside the tunic through a slot in the pocket; adopted in Germany and Austria to eliminate belt and make uniforms looks less martial).

PS: Attached a photo borrowed from another forum; an Austrian Gendarmerie holster for the 5“ Victory, late 1940s, made by Stolla/Vienna.

 

[Ameshawki]

Standard German style full flap rig with D-rings. I have one. They turn up on ebay from time to time.

 

[gonzogeezer]

Standard German style full flap rig with D-rings. I have one. They turn up on ebay from time to time.

Interesting. Would you have a photo of it you could share?

 

[Ameshawki]

Interesting. Would you have a photo of it you could share?

You’re assuming I can find it in the holster mountain. Basic European black full flap with D rings. Mine might be for a five inch. I think they used a lot of British Victories

 

[gonzogeezer]

You’re assuming I can find it in the holster mountain. Basic European black full flap with D rings. Mine might be for a five inch. I think they used a lot of British Victories

My other Polizei Victory is a 5-inch issued to a city force in Lower Saxony.