Artillery Luger P08 Holster

Artillery Luger P08 Holster in black leather – holster for the Lange Pistole 08

The Artillery Luger P08 holster was made for the Lange Pistole 08, the long-barrel version of the Luger pistol. This model, commonly known as the Artillery Luger or LP08, featured a 200 mm barrel, an adjustable tangent rear sight and a frame lug for attaching a board-type shoulder stock. With the stock fitted, the pistol could be handled with greater stability, giving it some of the practical characteristics of a compact carbine.

The holster is made from strong black leather, with reinforced stitching, a shaped flap and strap fittings. Unlike the standard P08 holster, the Artillery version had to accommodate the longer pistol and function as part of a broader carrying system. Depending on the set, this could include the wooden stock, shoulder strap, magazine pouch, cleaning rod and tools.

The Lange Pistole 08 was intended for personnel who required a more accurate and stable sidearm than a standard pistol, while still avoiding the bulk of a full-length rifle. Its “Artillery” name is linked to its association with artillery and other specialist troops. When the shoulder stock was attached to the grip frame, the pistol could be used from the shoulder for more controlled fire.

From a technical standpoint, the Artillery holster differed considerably from the standard P08 pouch-style holster. Its elongated body protected the longer barrel, while the carrying strap and stock fittings turned the set into a complete weapon and accessory rig. In complete configurations, the holster, board stock, shoulder strap, magazine pouch, cleaning rod and small tools could be carried together.

The black leather construction protected the pistol during marching, transport and field service. Strong stitching, shaped flaps and secure fastening points kept the pistol and accessories stable. On surviving original examples, creases, wear marks and pressure points often reveal how the rig was carried, fastened and combined with its stock and accessory pouch.

Collector’s note: the name “Artillery Luger” is widely used today, especially among collectors, but the German designation was Lange Pistole 08, meaning “long pistol 08”. For this reason, the holster may be described as an LP08 holster, Lange Pistole 08 holster or Artillery P08 holster.