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I stumbled across two interesting holsters that I wanted to share and get comments on. Both are what I believe are to be German made (or French made under occupation) holsters for the French M1935a. There seems to be a huge lack of evidence as to what holsters the Germans used for these pistols, and after acquiring both of these separately, I believe that this is at least one variation of holsters that were made and used. The first is shown on the right hand side of the photo and comes in a darker leather, almost black which might be for Army use. It came with a German proofed M35a and displays all the evidence of this gun having been in the holster for a long time. The flap retaining stud actually appears to be an aluminum keeper from a German helmet. I have had this rig for several years and thought that it might have been a field adapted holster, when I by chance came across the other holster which displayed a similar outline in design. This holster is shown on the left and comes in lighter brown leather, which might be for Luftwaffe use. This second holster didn't come with a pistol, but fits my M35a like a glove and displays rub marks in all of the correct spots to suggest that it held a M35a at one time. Both holsters show a very similar outward appearance but have differences such as the belt loops on the back, the flap closure straps and retaining lugs, etc. otherwise, they are pretty much the same. I find the similarities and evidence too strong to suggest other than the fact that these were made for the M35a and represent at least one variation of German made/procured holster for these occupation pistols. I would appreciate any comments and perhaps there are more examples of this style of holster floating around?
