BACKGROUND: In 1935 the Heereswaffenamt, (Army Ordnance Office), began looking for an alternative pistol to replace the P08 Luger which had been in service since 1908. Although the Luger was favored by the troops it was expensive to produced and was prone to allowing dirt into the toggle breech affecting its firing. In 1938 the Heereswaffenamt accepted the new P38 pistol, developed by the Carl Walther Waffenfabrik. The new P38 pistol didn’t completely replace the Luger which was still being manufactured until 1943 when it was finally discontinued. The P38 originally came in a molded "hardshell" holster until a "softshell" holster was introduced in late 1943.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Heer 1941 dated P38 hardshell pistol holster, black leather with original belt straps still fitted. Appears to have been period worn but is in pretty good condition with no damage. Stamped to rear with manufacturer code "cww" (Karl Weiss Lederwarenfabrik of Braunschweig), Waffenamt stamp and P38. Looks to have previous owners initials also marked to rear.