Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a really gorgeous example of a general .32 Caliber pistol holster made from Preßstoff which has been decorated, likely by an American G.I., with two Panzer skulls, two rank pips, and a cap Eagle. Mostly these holsters are associated with the Mauser 1910, Mauser 1934 Series of Pistols, however, they can accommodate a wide range of .32 caliber pistols, the number of different types would be too exhaustive to list!

This example is not maker-marked, which makes sense given it’s made from a late-war Ersatz material. The material is in good shape but is rather still, and the flap has some resistance to opening. The front flap is applied with a pair of German Panzer troop skulls, which would be worn on their cuff ranks, two small rank pips, and a cap eagle.

A perfect accompaniment to your WWII German Pistol! Perfect to make a “rig” for your collection with some gorgeous period-applied insignia.

Presstoff (also Preßstoff or Pressstoff) is the German-language term for a type of ersatz or artificial leather used during the first half of the 20th century. Made of specially layered and treated paper pulp, Presstoff was durable and easily adapted to be used in place of leather, which under wartime conditions was rationed. First invented in the 19th century, it gained its widest use in Germany during the Second World War.

Presstoff use included but was not limited to binoculars cases and straps, horse tack, bayonet frogs, equipment belts, cap visors etc. In short, Presstoff could be used in almost every application normally filled by leather, excepting items like footwear that were repeatedly subjected to flex wear and/or moisture. Under these conditions Presstoff tended to delaminate and lose cohesion.