WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Question and opinion regarding Living History / Reenacting.
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RobL
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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by RobL » Sat Jul 01, 2017 9:13 am

Mr. Flibble:

That snap hook is also just as capable at securing your Eyemo winding key! (but I bet you figured that out already too!)

"I'll see you on the beach!"

Rob L.


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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by Mr_Flibble » Fri Jul 21, 2017 12:53 am

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It survived the Normandy trip, though it was a bit overloaded by the end of it. ;)
It kept the contents perfectly dry and secure, but the ink on the Photographer Stencil ran a little after getting caught out in the rain.
Rick

1943 - Willys MB - #221863 1A-165SPC * PHOTO-3

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by RobL » Fri Jul 21, 2017 7:39 am

Glad the bag survived 'the breakout'.

But I'm disappointed in that supposedly 'waterproof fabric ink' that I used.
I'm happy to correct that at my expense - I can figure out a way to either replace the whole flap or stitch a new patch over that stain.
Please let me know.

Rob L.

(that Bando 'Breakout' book is terrific - Mark lead me on a walking tour of that area back in 2004 - so insightful and detailed)

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by Mr_Flibble » Mon Jul 24, 2017 1:59 am

Nah, It's fine, Rob. It adds to the weathered look.

We had Jean Torchio with us for a part of the trip, he is a local historian who worked together with Mark on these books.
I did pick up the 2nd Edition of the Breakout book for the extra photos and maps, unfortunately it looks like the English verion will not get released any time soon.
Rick

1943 - Willys MB - #221863 1A-165SPC * PHOTO-3

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by RobL » Mon Jul 24, 2017 8:33 am

Happy to hear that the 'weathering' enhanced your bag. (I'll be using a different ink on future bags nonetheless :wink: )

I believe that Jean was with us on that tour as well. He brought along a notebook of 'then and now' photos of each spot. And at one point, we were standing alongside a country lane, and they were pointing out location details and we looked down and found we were standing amongst dozens of spent '43 dated .30 cal. casings. Likely a former MG position. The place is littered with history.

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by 1Lt. Santana » Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:23 am

Hi, I really like your WWII Laptop/Messenger Bags. I was wondering if you were willing to sell the Bag with the Ordinance Corp symbol (flaming bomb) on it.

Thanks
-Hunter

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by RobL » Wed Aug 02, 2017 1:21 pm

Hi Hunter, et.al.

Sorry to say that the ‘ordnance bomb’ bag sold a while ago. Made from a 1919 dated RIA ‘drill press cover.’ It was a one-of-a-kind piece, and so unfortunately I can’t make you a clone.

I could probably stencil an Ord bomb on another khaki canvas bag of similar construction. Please PM me if that interests you.

I do have these bags on hand right now:

The “PW” bag – as if crafted by an industrious German POW in Aliceville, Alabama Prisoner of War camp. "...for you the war is over."

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The Grunt – a USMC bag made from a duffle bag with TAC mark from Korean War. Perhaps not subtle enough for 'living history' gear, this is more of a 'fashion piece'.

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Willie and Joe - The WWII GI bag made from patched canvas, and a GI raincoat, M1936 suspenders, and other ‘war-weary’ bits and pieces.

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Also just finished these three ParaMarine bags.

Made from original USMC shelter halves, and WWII parachute webbing and hardware. Two are ‘normal sized’ and one is ‘jumbo’ wide - about 7 inches - to hold portable scanners, and external harddrives. Or more belts of 30 cal ammo – whichever you prefer.

(one of the normal sized USMC bags has already sold)

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If anyone would like to see more pix, please let me know.

Also, I'm set up on Instagram - search TheSignalDepot to find me and postings of more bag images. Hope to see you there!

Thanks

Rob L.

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by RobL » Wed Aug 02, 2017 1:34 pm

Howdy:

You can’t carry this tiger stripe bag without hearing Run Through The Jungle by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

This was a custom laptop bag I just made for a LRRP collector/author/nut. A ‘LRRP-top bag’ if you will.

Sent it to its new home along with a pack of late ‘60s vintage Marlboros snug inside that little button pocket on the front flap.

Claymore bag became the back pocket. Other bits include original 5.56 bandolier, and ammo pouches. ’68 dated poncho serves as the underside of the top flap – makes it waterproof – and jungle ready!

The shoulder strap is original VN era nylon parachute harness/survival vest webbing with parachute hardware – stitched up in a way reminiscent of a STABO rig.

I have enough of this Tiger Stripe fabric to make one more of these.

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thanks

Rob L.
Find me at TheSignalDepot on Instagram

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by Bentwood » Sun Sep 03, 2017 10:07 am

Your creations are amazing. Glad I found your Thread!
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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by RobL » Sun Sep 03, 2017 10:24 am

Thanks very much for the kind words.
I'm constantly making new styles, and working to fill custom orders too.
A place to check for the latest is my instagram site - find me @thesignaldepot
Rob

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by 113thCavman » Thu Sep 07, 2017 12:46 pm

Rob

Nice items

What do you ask for the Camo Marine bag or the Tiger Stripe?

Are you interested in buying vintage canvas for other projects?

I often run into sea bags,hammocks,shelter halves etc in various conditions.

Thanks

RON

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by RobL » Thu Sep 07, 2017 12:59 pm

HI Ron
Thanks for the thumbs up.
Rob L.
Last edited by RobL on Tue Oct 10, 2017 9:41 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by John Neuenburg » Tue Oct 10, 2017 2:06 am

AZ Jeff wrote:
Mon Mar 13, 2017 5:58 am
At a minimum, it looks like good advertising for Castagnas out there? Sure beats folded up and stacked with twenty others in a plastic tub above the den room closet (that's where my attributed/painted seabags live these days). When they finally build the National Seabag Museum we can rue the day a hand full were chopped up to create these laptop bags.

Just my 2 Centavos

Jeff Q.
AZ

National Seabag Repository
SE Arizona District
Warehouse 3, Patagonia, AZ
Sorry Rob, I have to side with Jeff here. Recycling things that are a part of history is something some people don't take lightly. OK if the items are worn out and not wanted for what they are. If a significant portion of the thing is not restorable it might as well be called fabric. Better to do something interesting with it than throw it away. I get that. But your photos show excellent quality. Poncho to purse? You are the gatekeeper.

It's amazing what items become artifacts and collectible. Just look inside any antique store or museum. There is a fuzzy line to repurposing old things or not and this line is crossed when the scissors come out. You might be doing the Right Thing but if this gets popular what about your competitors?

John
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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by m14msgt » Wed Dec 27, 2017 7:08 pm

Do you still make the macbook bags?


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Re: WWII Laptop Messenger Bags

Post by RobL » Wed Dec 27, 2017 10:21 pm

Yes I do.

I'm constantly receiving or buying all sorts of original, routine, and ordinary - as well as rare and one-of-a-kind - WWI, WWII, KW, VN and modern-era duffle bags, shelter halves, kit bags, ponchos, officers' bed rolls, tool rolls, musette bags, field packs, pouches and all manner of OD canvas, khaki, or camo whathaveyou, to repurpose into tributes that clients use, care for, share, and showcase every day as relevant, vibrant remembrances of those who served.

The best place to see my latest custom laptop bags, drawstring bags, and 'waist belt bags': my Instagram feed @thesignaldepot

Happy to chat.

Rob L.


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