Club Obi Wan

One day at work last week, a co-worker saw my bag that I purchased from What Price Glory and remarked that he had the same "Indiana Jones" bag. I told him I didn't believe him (since he wasn't an Indiana Jones fan) and I had to see the bag. It turns out there are some similarities to the Mark VII bag, but with some noticeable differences. When I asked him where he bought the bag, he said that he had found the bag abandoned in a fishing hole 20 years ago.

The bag does seem to be a military bag of sorts. It has the same coloring, stitching, drain holes, cotton web strap, and the inside of the bag are the same as the Mark VII. However, it lacks the rope, rope pouch, and disc that are found on the Mark VII. It has an extra back pocket with two small compartments. The metal buttons on the cover are reinforced with extra round discs. They are also placed right on the edges of the flap which makes it look ugly. Also, the strap has metal clasps. If you notice the hole on the strap where there is a small flap, I think a small pocket might have been sewn there. Some other caveats are the weird rope tassel on the left side of the flap and those two extra metal loops on the sides of the bag.

Anyone have any ideas what make and model bag this is? Geez, I should start visiting fishing holes. Maybe, I'll be lucky enough to find an abandoned Mark VII bag.

Front of Bag
Back of Bag
Inside Flap
Inside of Bag
Mystery Bag Vs. Mark VII Gas Mask Bag

MK VI ?

Looks like a MK VI.

I thought the Mark VI still had the rope and disc on the sides. Also, don't they have 3 drain holes?

It's a Mk VI bag.

The number of vents range from 1-3 when they are of the gridded brass kind. (This has been seen on Mk VII bags aswell).

It has a flap on the back and brass rings for the lanyard instead of the disc; Mk VI.

The extra flap is what tells it from a Mk V bag, aswell as from the Mk VII. (Though the metal disc I think is the most obvious on the Mk VII).

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Swindiana

Thanks for the clarification, Swindi. I think because of the buttons used, it could possibly be an American model. I officially am envious of my co-worker. The fishing hole that he found the bag was only a couple of miles away from where I live.

It's not an American bag.
There was a similar one back in WWI for the US version of the Small box respirator, but by the time of the British Mk VI the US had different type of masks and bags. Most likely it is a British one.
You'd be surprised where in all corners of the world these British bags have turned up over the years.

Can you find "Newey" stamped on the snaps?

If so, it's British.

Regards,
Swindiana

There's no "Newey." It says "N.B. Ltd." There are also several floral leaf etched on the reinforcement buttons on the inside flap.

Coming to think of it, my Mk VI has those letters too.

Those letters would also make it a British one;

http://www.kilroysfootlocker.com/site/4 ... 67-5649280

Regards,
Swindiana

Oh, wow. Thanks. I guess the mystery has been solved.

Well, you never know with these bags.

Regards,
Swindiana

You're right, you'd be amazed where you find them. Last summer we went over to a neighbors house to preview the stuff they planned to put out for a garage sale, prior to moving. Hanging on a nail in the back room was a slightly soil but very usable Canadian MkVII (slight differences from the British version). He said it was his fishing bag and he'd had it for ever. Since everything was up for grabs, I got it for $20.00.

Brian

Nice story, Bryan!

Any chance there are pics of that bag?
(Disc or looped wire for the lanyard?)

Coming to think of it, this could make for a fun thread!

Best regards,
Swindiana

Hey Swindi,

Yes, this bag has the disk, looped wire, but it only has one bottom drain hole, has a flapped inner pocket and is a yellow tan colour. Other than that, it's basically the same, and came naturally distress!

Brian[/img]

Hey All,

Here are a few shots of my Canadian Mk VII style bag. The major differences are the color, the little inside flap pocket, and only one drain hole in the bottom. It's a little ratty, kind of like it's been drug under a truck! The strap is an old rifle sling.




Later, Brian