Editor’s Pick from Wunder Kammer
🌿 Provenance
Unearthed at a rustic military fair in northern Italy, near the edge of a decommissioned barracks outside Alessandria. The seller, a retired collector of WWII memorabilia, claimed it once belonged to an Italian army officer stationed in the Alpine region. For decades, it lay tucked away in a cedar-lined trunk, alongside uniform buttons and handwritten notes from a long-forgotten campaign. The scent of aged leather and faint gun oil still lingers — a tactile memory of discipline and duty.
✨ Description & Function
This vintage military holster is crafted from robust, dark brown leather and shaped to fit the compact Beretta M1934, the sidearm of choice for Italian officers throughout the 1930s–50s. It features a rounded flap closure with a brass stud, reinforced stitching, and a separate front pouch for an extra magazine — all designed for swift and practical use in the field.
Its silhouette is sleek yet utilitarian, echoing the aesthetic of pre-war Italian design: elegant in form, but built for purpose.
🌍 Origin & Production
Embossed on the inner flap is a clearly legible military arsenal stamp:
“ARSENALE FIRENZE – TORINO”, indicating production or maintenance at two of Italy’s historic military facilities.
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Origin: Northern Italy
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Estimated production period: ca. 1940–1955
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Designed to fit: Beretta M1934 / M1935 pistol
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Likely issued to officers or Carabinieri units
🧵 Material & Craftsmanship
Hand-stitched from thick, full-grain leather, this holster shows its age with quiet dignity. The surface bears a smooth patina and minor scuffing — signs of careful use rather than neglect. Brass rivets reinforce stress points, while the molded leather retains the ghost of the weapon it once held.
The deep brown tone of the leather is warm and rich, with the kind of lived-in character that only decades of rest and service can produce.
📏 Dimensions
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Height: approx. 15 cm
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Width (at widest): approx. 12 cm
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Thickness: ~4–5 cm when closed
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Fits pistols of up to 15.5 cm length (ideal for Beretta M1934/M1935)
🔍 Condition
Very good vintage condition.
The leather is supple and intact, with light signs of wear at the edges and along the flap. All stitching appears strong and original. The brass closure works perfectly, and the arsenal mark is clearly visible. Minor creases and surface patina are consistent with age and add to its historic authenticity.
🎁 Styling Tip
Ideal as a decorative object for a curated cabinet of curiosities, a man-cave vignette, or a WWII collection. Pair it with antique binoculars, field maps, or a neutral linen backdrop for full vintage impact. Also suitable for film props, display in historical museums, or collectors of military design.
🚚 Shipping Info
Ships from Italy
Secure packaging in archival tissue, bubble wrap & custom box
Shipping to NL from €13 with Poste Italiane (incl. tracking)
Express shipping (DHL/UPS) available upon request
