The Austro-Hungarian Holsters for Roth M07 and Steyr M12
Article about: Dear Friends, I am pleased to post some information on holsters for handguns of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. I will underline the distinctive aspects of the various models and I will refer t
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The Austro-Hungarian Holsters for Roth M07 and Steyr M12
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to post some information on holsters for handguns of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
I will underline the distinctive aspects of the various models and I will refer to regulations of the time.
I apologize for any grammar error and any possible misunderstanding/mismatch in content of the thread.
Kind regards
Enrico
The following picture illustrates all the Types of the K.u.K., K.K. and K.u. Holsters I have found collecting Militaria.
THE FIRST TYPE HOLSTER (ALTER ART) ("A" in the picture and table)
The first type of holster is that adopted for the semiautomatic pistol Roth M07, caliber 8mm.
There are three variants: one with a rear loop to hang it to the belt (pistolentasche ohne umhängriemen), the second with a shoulder strap to carry it (pistolentasche umhängriemen mit) and the third with a very special kind of suspension (pistolentasche für offiziere) (Offelli, S. Le armi e gli equipaggiamenti dell’esercito austro-ungarico dal 1914 al 1918, volume primo, pag. 217).
TRANSITIONAL HOLSTERS ("B" - "C" - "D" in the picture and table)
The holsters that are placed between the first and the second Type, at my initiative, will be called “transitional” Type. The criterion used in the description of these holsters is morphological, but, in my opinion, the exterior expresses a functional concept. So following the development of external form we will also appreciate the intention to gradually improve the ergonomics and robustness of objects that had to demonstrate ease of use and durability
What happens in the Transitional Type? Were operated changes which mainly concern: (1) the mode of closure of the storage box ammunition (which is hooked via a tab to the pin-retaining flap), (2) the morphology of the zone relative to the handle of the gun (which remains uncovered thus facilitating both the grip and the extraction), (3) the junction between top ammunition box and its lid (which a variable number of rivets fixed upper and lower), (4) the position of the pin-retaining flap (which enters significantly towards the median line of the holster) and (5) the distance between the rivets that secure the rear shoulder strap (which approach one another significantly).
These changes will occur in stages.
Holsters that enclose the grip of the gun are dedicated to Roth M07, while those that leave free can be used both by Roth M07 and the Steyr M12; it is evident that having the handle free represents a major advantage when the weapon has to be taken quickly. Even the disappearance of the buckle, which closed the ammunition box, is advantage in reaching the ammunition clips for a quick refueling. Modifications on the strength of the closure between top ammunition box and its lid are made over time in order to increase its wear resistance.
There are three variants: one with a rear loop to hang it to the belt (pistolentasche ohne umhängriemen), the second with a shoulder strap (pistolentasche umhängriemen mit) and the third with a very special kind of suspension (pistolentasche für offiziere) (Offelli, S. Le armi e gli equipaggiamenti dell’esercito austro-ungarico dal 1914 al 1918, volume primo, pag. 218).
THE SECOND TYPE HOLSTER (NEUER ART) ("E" in the picture and table)
The so-called First Type began as a small jewel of harness, as the case of a precious gem: the weapon is completely surrounded and protected, and the ammunition trunk has even a buckle with a buckle that holds it closed. Well, a little safe. Who has designed it, I believe, has not even bothered to see how it changed the profile of the weapon with the ammo in the chamber: the firing pin of Roth M07 protrudes conspicuously. In almost all cases it is not possible to store the weapon with the chamber and be able to close the flap to metal peg... the flap does not get it!
The Transitional Types bring our holsters to their final appearance, packaging workshop of the Belle Époque gradually move away to make room for a configuration that is, before all things, functionally useful on the battlefield.
The Second Type is very attractive from an aesthetic point of view and it is very functional, always referring to the functional criterions of the era and not to the actual ones. Also the assembly has undergone some modification: the outer part is now constituted by a single cut of skin, without the vertical seam between trunk and ammunition body that characterized the first model. Similarly, the rear loop for the belt always presents two lines of stitching overlapping instead of one. Among these holsters, we will find the version with belt and shoulder strap, found room both for Roth M07 and Steyr M12 (Offelli, S. Le armi e gli equipaggiamenti dell’esercito austro-ungarico dal 1914 al 1918, volume primo, pag. 219).
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Re: The Austro-Hungarian Holsters for Roth M07 and Steyr M12
Fantastic run-through of these quality holsters by an afficionado who obviously knows his holsters.
Thank you.
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thank you, I am looking for a holster to buy at the moment and this has been a god send. cheers Tony
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