Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice original German WWII black leather hardshell holster for the standard issue Walther P.38 pistol. Clearly dated 1941 and bearing the correct maker code and Waffenamt inspection marking, it is an appealing early-war example that has seen considerable service while retaining all of its important straps, fittings, and internal components.

The back of the holster is marked on the right side with the P.38 stamping, which is often faint. Between the two belt loops is a stamped maker and date:

cxb
41

Next to this is a Waffenamt Stamp, WaA727. The 3 letter code and two digits denote 1941 manufacture by Moll, Lederwarenfabrik. This was a known maker of holsters and other military accouterments during the war, according to GERMAN MILITARY LETTER CODES 1939-1945 by John Walter.

The holster is complete and in very good service-used condition, showing the expected wear from long service. The black exterior finish is worn to look brown in many areas, and the stitching shows wear and staining. The stitching in some areas is a bit loose, but we do not see any major popped stitches. The metal hardware shows minor oxidation. The pistol ejection strap is still present and looks to be functional. There is an inscription under the flap, 177 / Lehrk.

We were unable to confirm the exact meaning or attribution of this inscription. It may represent a unit, training organization, or other period designation, but further research may reveal more. The marking adds an interesting element of research potential without providing sufficient evidence for a firm unit attribution.

The Walther Pistole 38, commonly known as the P.38, was adopted as a replacement for the more complicated and costly P.08 Luger. Introduced shortly before the Second World War, the P.38 used a more production friendly design and a double action trigger system. Its open slide, locked breech action, and generally robust construction made it better suited to large scale wartime manufacture and field service than the finely fitted toggle action P.08.

Early P.38 pistols were commonly issued with close fitting leather hardshell holsters such as this example. As wartime production pressures increased, simpler softshell holsters were also introduced, reducing the amount of material and labor required for manufacture. The substantial construction and strongly defined shape of the earlier hardshell pattern have made these holsters especially popular accessories for P.38 displays.

With its cxb 41 maker and date marking, WaA727 inspection stamp, faint P.38 designation, intact ejection strap, and interior inscription, this holster presents a well documented example of early-war P.38 equipment. The extensive finish wear and retained components are consistent with prolonged service and storage, while the inscription beneath the flap offers additional research potential. It would be appropriate for a collection focused on Walther pistols or German WWII leather equipment.