Rare WWI PO8 Luger Holster Reissued to Finland

This is a fascinating WWI PO8 Luger leather holster that was original produced for the German imperial army. Dated 1915, it was made by Hans Romer, who continued to supply PO8 holsters throughout both world wars. In the 1920s Mauser and DWM had contracts to supply the Finnish army with the m/23 pistol (Finnish PO8 Luger) and associated equipment. Quantites of WWI surplus holsters, both used and unissued were supplied. This example is one of those holsters. The flap is correctly marked with the Finnish property - SA within a square. The Finns modified the belt hoops to fit their webbing and added a sleeve by the spare magazine pouch to house the cleaning rod. During WWII the Finns successfully repelled the Russian invasion on Finland, referred to as the Winter War, armed with their m/23 pistols.

 

A rare holster that has survived both world wars and seen service with Axis and Allied forces.