~ French ‘Unique’ Rr51 Police Pistol Holster and Spare Magazine ~
History of the French Unique RR51 Police Pistol & Holster
The Pistol
The RR51 (Modèle 1951) was produced by Manufacture d’Armes des Pyrénées Françaises (MAPF), better known by its trade name "Unique", based in Hendaye, France.
Developed after WWII, the RR51 was chambered in 7.65mm (.32 ACP) and designed as a simple, compact, and reliable semi-automatic pistol.
It was heavily influenced by earlier MAPF wartime pistols such as the Unique Model 17, which had been produced for German occupation forces during WWII.
Adoption
The RR51 entered service in the 1950s and was primarily issued to French police forces, the Gendarmerie, and various security branches.
It was intended as a sidearm for police and internal security, rather than military combat use.
The pistol remained in French police service for decades, eventually being replaced by modern semi-automatics like the SIG-Sauer SP2022 in the early 2000s.
The Holster
The standard holster for the RR51 was a brown or black leather flap holster, made to fit the compact pistol securely while allowing quick access.
Typical features:
Full flap closure with a strap or stud for retention.
Belt loops on the rear for police utility belts.
Some versions included a spare magazine pouch on the front.
These holsters were manufactured in France during the 1950s–1970s and saw daily use by police and gendarmes.
Variations exist depending on the issuing branch and period (some later models were made from synthetic materials).
Collectability
Original RR51 holsters are now collectible pieces of post-war French police history.
They appeal to:
Collectors of European police pistols.
Those with an interest in Cold War French militaria.
Reenactors seeking correct equipment for post-war French police impressions.
Values vary depending on condition, markings, and whether they include the pistol or just the holster.
