Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice German WWII Era brown leather breakaway holster for the Sauer 38H pistol, as it is marked on the interior with Sauer 7.65. 7.65 / .32ACP caliber "pocket" pistols were very popular sidearms for members of the SA and other political organizations. As there were so many different types in service, all with slightly different dimensions and magazine shapes, the holsters were marked to prevent confusion.

The design follows the standard breakaway "high-front" design of the period. Some holsters were made to fit a variety of the various pistols in this chambering, however this one was made specifically to fit the Sauer 38H, as indicated by the stamp under the top flap. This example is marked under the securing flap with:

GENSCHOW & CO.
1940
BERLIN

This indicates production by Gustav Genschow & Co. AG, Abt. Lederwaren-Fabriken, Werk Allstadt-Hachenburg; per Heidler, Deutsche Fertigungskennzeichen.

Condition of the holster is very good with a lovely broken-in look. The leather is still supple, and has a great brown color. The stitching is all intact and looks great. There are a few small scuffs but nothing major. It is named on the interior to MOORE, likely the American soldier who captured it.

A great accessory to pair with a WWII German Sauer Pistol. Ready to display!

Sauer developed the model 38H from their earlier semi-automatic handguns. It was necessary to compete with companies such as Mauser and Walther in the commercial market. However, with the outbreak of the war, most pistols went to various German police agencies. These pistols were stamped by those agencies and some can still be found with the holster and additional magazine with which they were distributed. Sauer 38H pistols presented to NSDAP officials often featured custom engraving, ivory grips, and often gold inlay as well. For example, in September 2004, the Rock Island Auction Company sold a Sauer 38H, serial number 363573, that belonged to Sepp Dietrich for $43,125.00.
 
The Sauer 38H was produced in three basic models. Generally, the slide of the first model says "JP Sauer und Sohn" on the left. The second version says only "CAL 7.65", and the third version omits the safety and the cocking/decocking lever. Towards the end of the war, weapons produced were simplified for quicker, cheaper production. For the 38H, this meant simpler markings, rough finish, and the elimination of features like the slide-mounted safety. Much more rarely, some late production examples retained the safety but omitted the cocking/decocking lever. So-called "late-war" models were still fully functional, though final examples produced until April 1945 when the factory was overrun by the Allies, feature mismatched serial numbers and poor fit and finish.
 
The concept of the Sauer 38H persists in the SIG Sauer P232 and its predecessor the P230, which also feature a fixed barrel, decocking lever, and similar internal design. As a testament to their fine design, many Sauer 38Hs are regularly used by owners to this day, albeit usually with replacement grips.