Mk VII source, 10 "beat up" bags, £5 each July -04

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 7:16 am

This is the source I mentioned in another thread about a few bags in pretty poor condition. This wouldn't stop the Mk VII seeker from asking them for the best one they have though since the price has come down to £5 each.

Here are the email quotes I got in order:

Hi,
Sorry but the only ones in stock at the moment are very "tired" Mk.
VIIs.
Price is £10 plus postage.
Regards,
Roy

Hi,
They have hols/black stripes/names in felt tip pen - all are in pretty poor condition.
Regards,
Roy

hi,
i will investigate your request and contact you as soon as possible
regards
paul

Hi,
We have about 10 in stock, price is £5 each......plus postage to your location.
Unable to say if any more will turn up - it depends on what the govt decides to get rid of!
Regards,
Roy

I haven't ordered one myself, so the stock should be pretty intact with at least 10 bags from now on and until a few people from here show interest.

PM me in case there is any interest and I'll direct you to the contact info. As usual.

Regards,
Swindiana Baggins

Got Maul · Post by **Got Maul** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:46 am

I'll take two! I love using these bags as kick arounds ! Though being the first one to say anything, can I get dibs on the two best looking ones ? Thanks bro !

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 10:28 am

GM: You're the first one I hear from. PM coming your way with contact info on where to get your dibs.

Regards,
Swindiana

Mola Ram · Post by **Mola Ram** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 3:13 pm

Geme info!
your pmed
adam

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 3:27 pm

Ditto on the PM, Adam.

Regards,
Swindiana

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 8:49 pm

Swindiana Baggins. LOL

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 1:11 am

They said all the MkVII's are gone

. but... they still have Mk VI's for same price,same condition.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 1:18 am

Indycire wrote:They said all the MkVII's are gone . but... they still have Mk VI's for same price,same condition.

Thanks! That's good to know. You guys that have ordered one, let me know how things work out. I didn't get one for myself so I'm kind of curious.

PM coming your way Indycire.

Regards,
Swindiana

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Tue Jul 27, 2004 1:26 am

Im thinking of getting one of the mk VI's just to have something original.
Thanks for the PM Swindiana, ill look into those sources and maybe one day ill have a real Mk VII. Until then ill have to work with my wpg bag. maybe ill add a black stripe to make it look originally used.....no no no im just kidding.

Maybe my bag will be worth something to someone in 50 years.

-IndyCire

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 10:04 am

Hey all - they now have a stock of minty MKVII's at an excellent price - I just ordered 2 for myself!

They also have a good supply of Sam Brown leather straps, I promised the guy I'd mention it.

Thanks Swindy!

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 4:53 pm

Great news Al!
All things seem to have run smoothly and there hasn't been any trouble running "the show" from my side.
Keep them PM's coming in case you still are interested.
Mikey, check this source again and see if you can't find what you're looking for.
And Al, pics and all the info. you've got!

Regards,
Swindiana

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 4:56 pm

And Al, pics and all the info. you've got!

Consider it done my friend - they should be here by the weekend! $\:D/$

MaxPlague · Post by **MaxPlague** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 5:10 pm

Pardon the intrusion, but Oooooh! What's the status on the minty ones? Or even the beat up ones?

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Tue Aug 03, 2004 5:12 pm

I just sent another email to them! I hope i dont miss out again especially if they are mint.

Indiana_Stone · Post by **Indiana_Stone** » Thu Aug 05, 2004 11:38 pm

Could someone PM me the info for these? thanks.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Fri Aug 06, 2004 12:50 pm

Indiana_Stone wrote:Could someone PM me the info for these? thanks.

That someone would be me.

PM sent.

Regards,
Swindiana

Indianafred · Post by **Indianafred** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 5:37 pm

Sounds great, PM me also please

Thanks swindy,

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 5:47 pm

Indianafred wrote:Sounds great, PM me also please

Thanks swindy,

No problem, Fred. Swedish "privatmeddelande" sent.

I suggest those of you who want the link but haven't gotten it yet to PM me for it besides posting interest in here. That way I see it quicker and will be able to reply a bit faster. Thanks.

It will be interesting to see what bags you guys will get. Like mentioned I've stood away from getting one myself. I expect reports, you know.

Regards,
Swindiana

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Sat Aug 07, 2004 6:45 pm

well, by time i got an email back they were all gone again. Its either that or calling long distance..guess ill keep trying my luck on ebay.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 9:14 am

It seems they might get others in every once in a while though, so I suggest putting yourself on a waiting list or keep checking back every now and then with these guys.
Indycire: I guess none of the older sources worked out for you then?

Regards,
Swindiana

Indiana Texas-girl · Post by **Indiana Texas-girl** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 10:06 am

I've emailed them twice with no response. I even emailed when it was posted that they had more bags...no response, and now I hear they are all bought up. Do they not check their email?

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 4:12 pm

My first email to them was replied to the next day, even though i was still late. This time it took them a few days to reply so i kinda figured i missed out.

Swindiana, i did try the nevada source, sent an email week or so ago and havent had a reply. Though ill probably order from Soldier of fortune to see if i get lucky and get a good condition one since it seems they still have them regularly , just most likely a beat up bag though. Other then that i have my eye on a few on ebay, i messed up and missed the end of an auction that ended at like 36.00

I wouldnt mind spending around $40, but higher then that i have to really want it to bid. I still can try sending an email to a few others you gave me links to.

If anyone is thinking of ebaying, please PM me, most buy it now prices are $50-$60. I would buy now for $40

-IndyCire

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 7:48 pm

Indiana Texas-girl wrote:I've emailed them twice with no response. I even emailed when it was posted that they had more bags...no response, and now I hear they are all bought up. Do they not check their email?

I'm not sure how often they check their email. What I know is that they seem busy. As with many of the possible sources out there that I've scattered you often have to send 3-4 messages to get all the info. you want, and 5 is not an unusal number until you are satisfied. Replies are often very brief and you have to be specific with every detail before you finally are certain that the bags they might have in fact are Pattern 37 British small box respirator bags. Then it often comes down to if the source is big and trustful enough before it even comes down to posting it here.
As mentioned I haven't ordered a bag from them personally and have no experience of making any deals with them. What I do know is that most militaria people that I've been in contact with regarding the bags are very friendly and doesn't mind a potential customer sending multible emails asking about a certain thing. Bottom line is; Just be persistent but polite and hope for the best and you could get there.

Did I ever send you a list of my older sources ITG?

Regards,
Swindiana

Indiana Texas-girl · Post by **Indiana Texas-girl** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 8:01 pm

Swindiana wrote:Did I ever send you a list of my older sources ITG?

Regards,
Swindiana

Uh, nope. But if you still have the list, I'd love it.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 8:07 pm

OK. I just figured you might have gotten them all from my previous postings back some time ago. PM coming your way.

Regards,
Swindiana

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Sun Aug 08, 2004 8:16 pm

I got a reply last Friday; pretty terse; saying they had nothing.

If they can indeed get more, it would have been worth the guy's while to offer, or suggest as much. Some people just have no idea about marketing themselves and their wares.

Skippy · Post by **Skippy** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 5:33 pm

I got a reply last Friday; pretty terse; saying they had nothing.

Have to say I rang the guy 0900am the next morning after Al had PM'd me into the loop (thanks Al

) & got a really short response off him. He couldn't wait to throw me off the phone! Was so miffed I thought about telling him to forget it

Anyway, I asked him to put two MK VII bags aside for me & I would drive down to see him & pick them up.

Unfortunately I haven't had the time, so I rang him today to ask him to post them. Well it turns out he hasn't so much as run out of MK VII bags, as never got any in the first place!

He was supposed to get a surplus consignment of MK VII bags, but it turns out someone had had those away already from the consignment & he is left with a bunch of mint unissued MK VI bags.

I've ask for one anyway & he has been kind enough to send it to me Sale or Return without charging me yet!

The guy was in a much better mood today (rang him about 12 midday, when he wasn't screaming at his staff to get stuff out on display!) & was fun to talk too

So if you want a MK VI bag get in touch with them (PM me if you want the details

).

So...anyone going to tell me where I can get an accurate TOD bag strap buckle?

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 5:44 pm

Guys and girls... *Clears throat* I'm on to yet another one. Stay tuned.

Regards,
Swindiana

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 9:42 am

Yeah, it didn't work out for me either in the end - no bags showed up so today I called them and was told there had been a mix-up, they had no MKVII's in stock only MKVI's.

I wonder if they realised they could get more ££ selling them on eBay or something? They cottoned on to the Indy connection pretty quickly, so I wouldn't be suprised, and when I called them 2 weeks ago they were SURE they had a stock of minty MKVII's for sale...

Oh well, keep 'em comin' Swindy mate, maybe I'll have more luck next time eh?

Skippy · Post by **Skippy** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 1:09 pm

Mmmm

When I spoke to him the first time Al, he said he didn't know what he had, or rather what condition they were in (unissued/mint/grade 1/etc.) as they had yet to actually go through them & see what they've got, so I doubt it, but we'll soon know if they start popping up on eBay.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 7:00 pm

Just hang in there. These guys at the next source are kind of slow with their replies and I want to be certain they really have them in significant numbers and condition for all of you interested. I'll do another post about it when all info is secure.

Regards,
Swindiana

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:39 pm

Has anyone in the U.S. ordered an MkVII from Soldier of Fortune? Could you give me an idea what shipping and handling cost?

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:47 pm

Soldier of Fortune don't have them, despite what I've seen written about them. They do have MKVIs for about 10 quid. I think that's what I got off them, trying ot be too clever for my own good.

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:55 pm

I wouldnt mind getting the mkvi for now, for international postage they say they charge cost and will quote. I dont want to spend the same on shipping as the bag will cost and rather know so i dont have to wait for emails for them to ship it. i think the bags are around $19 Is the £ sign same as GBP in currency conversion?

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Thu Aug 19, 2004 12:30 am

yes...

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 3:43 pm

I wrote them an email and got the S+h price, I was told my bag being sent is stamped MKVII.

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 8:27 pm

Indycire wrote:I wrote them an email and got the S+h price, I was told my bag being sent is stamped MKVII.

Big congrats on it!

Nice to hear!

Will you report in when it arrives?

Regards,
Swindiana

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 8:53 pm

Yes i will, in the email they actually said-
"It is being packed and sent today it is stamped mk7 the cost of the bag
is£8.51 without tax and the poostage is £8.00
Many thanks"

Now i just hope they didnt mean to hit the 6 key.

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 9:04 pm

Also i got a response from Spiritof76.com, He only has Mkvi's, no discs, 2 different styles, exc. used condition, $40. Said he sees mkvii's time to time. guess it depends when you talk to him.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 9:30 pm

That's very steep for a MkVI. Excellent news that they served you a MKVII... it sounds like SoF have a pile of 'spare gas mask bags' as they are listed on the site, and if you don't specify, you could get any of them. Maybe they even know about the 'MKVII thing' with Indy fans and deliberately send MKVIs if you don't ask?

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 9:44 pm

As far as it definitly being mkvii im still doubtful. I never asked them for an Mkvii. I asked shipping price and if they sent it yet. Also if it was an mkvi or mkvii. Then they responded, i did write back thats exactly what i wanted,and said thanks...so i hope they made sure it was .

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 9:59 pm

Well you never know... Because, the image in the site looks like a MKVII and people have commented that SoF do have MKVIIs so you'll have to wait and see.

(However, having been part of this community for awhile, people often comment on what a vendor does and doesn't have and can and cannot do for its customers, without actually having bought anything from them

so I take things with the proverbial grain of salt these days...)

I waded in and bought a bag based on the picture and what people were saying and it was a MKVI as already discussed. I've actually sent an e-mail asking if they actually have MKVIIs, and whether I could swap for one - based largely on the fact that their Website shows a MKVII (you can see its metal disc) and not a MKVI or anything else.

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 6:21 pm

Well i finally got a real MkVII. Its definitly been used and shows it. The bag itself is in great shape, not rips,holes, torn stitching etc. I now know the smell i heard about and am just airing it out atm. All the hardware is in good shape, a lil rusty buy definitly can be cleaned off easily. Has anyone got a used bag that looks like it has blood stains on it? Not alot but there are a few red spots.

It is stamped VII,1942. also is stamped Whiteleys, which im guessing is the maker of the bag.Also has an arrow pointing up with two circles below it. Would love to have an unissued one but im satisfied now that i atleast have an original. Im still carrying the wpg until i get this cleaned up a little then i might use it.

Seems if you order from SoF you dont know what your going to get and i may take the chance again to see if get a better one. Also it looks like it had the black stripe but its so faded you cant see it unless your 5 inches away looking at it. Sorry i cant post pics so this is only half as good, but maybe i can sometime in the future. Just thought i would let everyone know i got it.

- IndyCire

Swindiana · Post by **Swindiana** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 6:27 pm

Nice to hear you finally getting one!

Also has an arrow pointing up with two circles below it

Could the circles be an 8 perhaps? Most common is that there are numbers connected with the 'Brod Arrrow', the governments acceptance mark. A British bag in your case.

Regards,
Swindiana

Indycire · Post by **Indycire** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 6:30 pm

Yep i looked again, its really faded. Does look like an 8 now but theres still two circles. the left circle looks like a faded 8. The right circle could be another 8 but i can only make out the top part of it if it is an 8, which is why it looks like a circle.

Indianafred · Post by **Indianafred** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 10:58 am

Indycire wrote:Has anyone got a used bag that looks like it has blood stains on it? Not alot but there are a few red spots.

Maybe, they added a few spots of red paint to increase the value

I will try to pick one up for myself.

Regards
Fred

Skippy · Post by **Skippy** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 6:16 pm

Well the original source for these finally came through & sent me what was supposed to be a MK VI bag...

...only it's a MK VII

A Canadian one at that, judging by the very faint marks, which included a broadarrow with a C round it.

Pretty rough condition (black line & stuff. YUK!) so I'm sending it back (with a letter explaining it's a MK VII! & to think the old fella told me he was an expert in WWII gear

) seeing as he sent it Sale-or-Return.

Interesting features are...

Brass D-rings instead of O rings holding the strap.
Only one drainhole.
Cool little press-stud flap on the little pocket at the top/inside of the bag (making it a much more functional pocket for say spare change, etc.)

I'll try & snap some pics with works digicam before I post it back, but I have to say, if I could find one with 2 drainholes & in unissued or really great Grade 1 condition, I'd really like one of these