Is this holster Czech or Russian?

[billybibbet]

I see these all over the internet variously listed as "com bloc", Russian and Czech. They are vinyl, with what appears to be pig skin/leather trim. Canvas strap. My suspicion is these are Czech but would like confirmation from our more experienced collectors.

Thank you!

[signalman]

I would guess Czech, 1976

[billybibbet]

Thank you Signalman!

[964AWACS]

The crossed swords stamped on the strap (immediately before the "76") are a Czech military acceptance mark. You will see the same marking on Czech Vz 52 pistols and Vz 52, 52/57, and 58 rifles, as well as the 44 and 44/67 flare guns.

[billybibbet]

The crossed swords stamped on the strap (immediately before the "76") are a Czech military acceptance mark. You will see the same marking on Czech Vz 52 pistols and Vz 52, 52/57, and 58 rifles, as well as the 44 and 44/67 flare guns.

Indeed, you are correct sir! I just looked at my Vz52 and RV85 and see the cross swords stamps. I also have five different variants of their flare pistol (from early to late issue) and note the same mark on them as well.

Best wishes!

[964AWACS]

The crossed swords stamped on the strap (immediately before the "76") are a Czech military acceptance mark. You will see the same marking on Czech Vz 52 pistols and Vz 52, 52/57, and 58 rifles, as well as the 44 and 44/67 flare guns.

Indeed, you are correct sir! I just looked at my Vz52 and RV85 and see the cross swords stamps. I also have five different variants of their flare pistol (from early to late issue) and note the same mark on them as well.

Best wishes!

I was only aware of 4 variants of Czech 44 flare guns (gray phosphate finish-wood grips, gray phosphate finish-wood grips-reinforcing muzzle band, dark gray enamel finish-wraparound bakelite grips, dark gray enamel finish-wraparound bakelite grips w/checkering). Which one am I missing?

[billybibbet]

The crossed swords stamped on the strap (immediately before the "76") are a Czech military acceptance mark. You will see the same marking on Czech Vz 52 pistols and Vz 52, 52/57, and 58 rifles, as well as the 44 and 44/67 flare guns.

Indeed, you are correct sir! I just looked at my Vz52 and RV85 and see the cross swords stamps. I also have five different variants of their flare pistol (from early to late issue) and note the same mark on them as well.

Best wishes!

I was only aware of 4 variants of Czech 44 flare guns (gray phosphate finish-wood grips, gray phosphate finish-wood grips-reinforcing muzzle band, dark gray enamel finish-wraparound bakelite grips, dark gray enamel finish-wraparound bakelite grips w/checkering). Which one am I missing?[/quote

Gray painted with wood grips! I found one last year...serial number range makes it one of the earliest gray painted ones.

[964AWACS]

Great - just when I thought I had all of the major SPSh variants (I just received my Chinese Type 57 today), now I have to find another one!

Thanks billyb!