Holster Update

For the last couple of weeks I have been working on designing and making a prototype holster for an Astra 400 Pistol. I have now finished the prototype, and although there are a couple of minor issues (the spare magazine pouch isn't as neat as I would like, and some of the leather cutting was a little rough due to a blunt blade) I am pretty happy with the result and think it matches the originals well. I still have to do some fitting and adjusting before these are available in mt etsy shop, but the overall appearance will not change. The price when available in my shop will be £45.
Here are some photos of the prototype:

The Prototype Astra 400 holster

Back, belt loop and 'D' rings

Spare Magazine Pouch

With the flap open

Original for comparison

Helens items now in my Etsy Shop

Some of the items made by my friend Helen will now be appearing in my Etsy shop. Helen is the maker of the hats I posted about a month ago, and also makes items such as custom flags, armbands, scarfs and oil skin squares. As we work seperately, she will normally fill ad dispatch orders seperately from me, so please take this into account when ordering items from both of us at the same time.

Not all the items Helen makes are listed yet, so check back soon for updates and additions.

Holster and Sam Browne Pictures

I'm planning to reproduce both Spanish Army holsters from the Spanish Civil War and Sam Browne belts, and post my progress up here. So the first step is to look at as many period pictures as I can get my hands on. The pics below show a wide variety of different types of belt and holster, which is good really as it means both the there is a lot of leeway in which styles I make. And it means I can bring in a lot of variety in my reproductions. As I hand make all my reproduction, variety is easy to do, and it also reflects the wide array of sources of kit that the Spanish Republican Army/Militia had.

Holsters

Some of these may be post war, so it needs a little more research. But in general the pictures show a wide variety. Most of these holsters are designed for either the Astra 300 or 400 pistols, and some may be ww2 German contract. 

Sam Brownes

Like the holsters, these also show a wide variety. However they seem to conform to a basic style that is much simpler than British or French Army examples.

Tassels

I was procrastinating the other day and decided to make some tassels. One of which now adorns the front of my Gorillo side cap. I also made one in republican red, yellow and purple, don't know if that is historically accurate, but fun none the less...

Next to be reproduced!

A couple of weeks ago I recieved an original example of another type of Spanish Army Leather Cartuchera. This one, which seems to only have been made in black, has two small compartments side by side, and was designed to hold stripper clips for the Spanish M1893 Mauser. I'd be interested to know if anyone has any more information on these and whether for example ty wer used by the Asaltos or Guardia Civil.

I am currently working on the pattern for these and they should be available to order in my etsy shop in th next few weeks.

Belt Buckles!

The Spanish Army leather webbing available in my Etsy shop now includes a Brass Belt Buckle for no extra cost! These are copies of the Spanish Army buckles from the 1930s, though they are blank and do not have the arm of service badge that many originals have. They can however be engraved with MA for Milicias Antifascitas or any other slogan you desire.

Here are some photos:

 Original example for comparison

As seen in 'Goodbye Bacelona'

Last year I hired some of my leather equipment amongst other bits and bobs to the Musical 'Goodbye Barcelona'. It was about volunteers to the Spanish Civil War, and was on at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, London, below is one of the promotional pictures with the leather pouches just visible.