Which MK VII to get?

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 8:02 pm

Okay so I already have Todd's very first satchel and I believe they wernt 100 percent SA. So I'm been going through my gear and going to upgrade some stuff and one is the bag. I was debating on getting Todd's new bags or a repro or original from WPG. Any thoughts?

Ridgerunner58 · Post by **Ridgerunner58** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 11:21 am

Adapting an original will require that you mutilate an antique piece of history by cutting off the web shoulder strap and cutting out the divider in the center compartment. I've never been able to bring myself to do it. Also you can't guarantee what color you'll get and whether the canvas will have "issues."

You might consider Magnoli as a good substitute. Appearance wise his look like the originals, no rot issues, great color and no heartache if you want to take out the divider. Plus, the material is more substantial and keeps its shape better.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 3:48 pm

Hmmm good point. I wasn't going to cut the inside at all just the out side look is what I care about. So you say magnoli bag is good? How's WPG reproduction? Just considering there's as it's in the states. But if magnoli is better ill got one overseas.

I already have a darker version green. I'm looking for a little lighter version now. The more tanish one. Magnoli looks the right color so does the WPG repro...(well in the pics they do idk about in person.)

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 5:27 pm

When I was starting out in this hobby I went and got a couple of repros, and then an original. The repos looked good until they got washed… maybe they have improved their materials now anyone have any experience in washing the current batch of repros?

Old WPG:

WPG Washed:

Original:

Original Washed:

The original is still going strong today, been to 3 continents with me over the past 7-8 years. I have now 2 that get a rotation.

Ridgerunner58 · Post by **Ridgerunner58** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 7:41 pm

I have no experience with the WPG reproduction, and I can't say I've washed my Magnoli bag.

I'm pretty sure based on what I see that it would stand up to being thrown in the washing machine.

The disks on the newer version are supposed to be very accurate to the originals.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 7:46 pm

Ridgerunner58 wrote:I have no experience with the WPG reproduction, and I can't say I've washed my Magnoli bag.

I'm pretty sure based on what I see that it would stand up to being thrown in the washing machine.

The disks on the newer version are supposed to be very accurate to the originals.

The disc on the magnoli new version? I know they redid them I herd.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:15 pm

Kt Templar wrote:When I was starting out in this hobby I went and got a couple of repros, and then an original. The repos looked good until they got washed… maybe they have improved their materials now anyone have any experience in washing the current batch of repros?

Old WPG:

WPG Washed:

Original:

Original Washed:

The original is still going strong today, been to 3 continents with me over the past 7-8 years. I have now 2 that get a rotation.

I love the look of your washed original bag. Looks well worn. I love the H&S bags the most. They look more sturdy...well the ones I've seen. I've been debating on getting a real original from WPG just to have a original but just worried I might get one too distressed or too floppy. Or have other issues

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:50 am

And this is what it looks like today... the bench has faired far worse!!

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 2:03 pm

Looks well used. Looks good. I can't decide if I should bite the bullet and get a original or get a replica

ChrisMD · Post by **ChrisMD** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 9:50 pm

I recommend WPG. I love mine. Personally I think Magnoli charges FAR too much for most of the stuff they sell. Good stuff, just too expensive. I dont understand it. My WPG bag looks pretty darn authentic after a saltwater bath in the June sun then sun drying and some knife distressing. Looks like its been dragged behind a truck in the desert.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 10:04 pm

ChrisMD wrote:I recommend WPG. I love mine. Personally I think Magnoli charges FAR too much for most of the stuff they sell. Good stuff, just too expensive. I dont understand it. My WPG bag looks pretty darn authentic after a saltwater bath in the June sun then sun drying and some knife distressing. Looks like its been dragged behind a truck in the desert.

Yours Is the reproduction one from WPG?

ChrisMD · Post by **ChrisMD** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 9:21 am

indyfan1234 wrote:
ChrisMD wrote:I recommend WPG. I love mine. Personally I think Magnoli charges FAR too much for most of the stuff they sell. Good stuff, just too expensive. I dont understand it. My WPG bag looks pretty darn authentic after a saltwater bath in the June sun then sun drying and some knife distressing. Looks like its been dragged behind a truck in the desert.
Yours Is the reproduction one from WPG?

Yea sorry I didnt clarify. Repro with the Indy strap.

ChrisMD · Post by **ChrisMD** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 9:23 am

indyfan1234 wrote:
ChrisMD wrote:I recommend WPG. I love mine. Personally I think Magnoli charges FAR too much for most of the stuff they sell. Good stuff, just too expensive. I dont understand it. My WPG bag looks pretty darn authentic after a saltwater bath in the June sun then sun drying and some knife distressing. Looks like its been dragged behind a truck in the desert.
Yours Is the reproduction one from WPG?

Yea sorry I didnt clarify. Repro with the Indy strap.

Kt Templar · Post by **Kt Templar** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 9:53 am

indyfan1234 wrote:Looks well used. Looks good. I can't decide if I should bite the bullet and get a original or get a replica

If you can find one I would.

You can use it whilst the repros catch up. They seems to have advanced quite a lot in the last 5 years or so.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Tue Jul 30, 2013 10:50 am

Kt Templar wrote:
indyfan1234 wrote:Looks well used. Looks good. I can't decide if I should bite the bullet and get a original or get a replica
If you can find one I would.

You can use it whilst the repros catch up. They seems to have advanced quite a lot in the last 5 years or so.

Yea WPG has a large supply or originals right now. Thinking of getting one and asking for the best one that holds its shape. I herd there starting to get harder to get ahold of

Post by **Cajunkraut** » Sun Aug 04, 2013 3:02 pm

Due to the dry rot stories, I was leery of buying an original, but I didn't want a repro as long as serviceable originals were still available.

When the W&G from WPG arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. It looked perfectly preserved for its age - no stains, bright brass vents, and a nice patina on the snaps. First thing I did was test the strap at the rings, with no issues.

With WPG's no-hassle return service, you can't go wrong if you purchase one of their originals. I've gotta admit, I do have a Magnoli enroute just in case the W&G proves me wrong!

knibs7 · Post by **knibs7** » Mon Aug 05, 2013 12:17 am

I'd go with an original. Even the best replicas aren't 100% accurate.

Kyle

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Mon Aug 05, 2013 2:02 am

I think I'll get an original from WPG. I don't care if the metal is worn or the color is a little faded. The only thing I'm concerned about is no canvas rot. And holds most of its shape.

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:12 am

I've bought three originals, two from WPG and one off eBay. One from WPG (W&G brand) and the eBay one (W&G brand) were the more olive green variety. The M & CO. H branded one I got from WPG was the more khaki (tanner) color and had the long loop on the outside of the bag (lower left in top pic) like in Raiders. This is my favorite and I fitted it with a Jake's 7/8" CS strap. WPG will look for the "right" bag from the un-issued originals if you specifically ask them to. My grandsons and I have taken all three bags on many excursions and have never had a rot or tear issue. We go rock hunting and have carried them in our bags along with tools, flashlight, etc..

more photos;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35223822@N ... 027836117/

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:19 am

i really like how the one in the top pic looks. ur bottom pic didnt come through. but anyway the top one looks like a perfect raiders one as it seemed to be darker then the other films. yours looks really good. looks like its been used for many adventures but still looks amazing shape

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:31 am

I tried reposting the second photo, did it show? I can see both before and now which is odd. The second photo show both bags from WPG (including the one in the top pic before I added the strap.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:36 am

Now I see it hahaha both looks good!! I can't decide which version I want to go with. I'm going to have to sit here and stare at the side by side and try and decide. I appreciate the pics. And thank you and everyone on this site for being so helpful

P.s. the darker one is the w&g?

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 1:07 pm

Under the photos is a link to the album where you can see LARGE versions and the writing.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Thu Aug 08, 2013 11:16 pm

I think I like the m & co. Alot more. Idk why. Seems hold it's shape better and I kinda like the more sand color to the green. Maybe because the reproduction I already have is green and want a differnt one

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Fri Aug 09, 2013 12:00 am

indyfan1234 wrote:I think I like the m & co. Alot more. Idk why. Seems hold it's shape better and I kinda like the more sand color to the green. Maybe because the reproduction I already have is green and want a differnt one

The m & co h one is the most liked when I've shared the photos. There's a photo of Ford in his Indy outfit minus the jacket sitting in a chair in "Cairo" with his legs crossed. It's a behind the scene photo and you can see the bag details easily. My m & co looks like that bag.
I have a bunch of more side by side photos of the 2 bags ill upload to the album in a few.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Fri Aug 09, 2013 12:19 am

I really apreciate it. When I do order from WPG ill ask for a m &co if they have any. I hope they do. And I hope they will honor my request.

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Fri Aug 09, 2013 2:52 am

OK all the photos have been added to the album.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Sat Aug 10, 2013 12:56 am

Wow thank you for those pics. I really like the m & co h one much better. I hope they will have some in stock when I order and hope they honor my request.

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 2:30 pm

I have an original and a WPG replica from, oh, 2005? I've never been able to cut the web strap off of the original (I just tuck it into the bag so you can't see it), but I much prefer it over the replica. Even though the replica is autographed and has been with me across the globe, the original feels sturdier, looks cooler with the weathered texture, and has cooler stories to tell. There's no beating the explanation that it's an old gas mask bag from World War 2. Mine even has some marker on it that says "AESF DECONTAMINATED NO/D." It's so faded you can't see it unless you look, but to me that's pretty awesome.

But long story short, I like the original just for durability's sake. This thing just feels tough! The replicas have always seemed to soft or floppy to be anything worthwhile to me. Either way you go, these bags are awesome.

Shane

Post by **Cajunkraut** » Sun Aug 18, 2013 4:48 pm

McFly wrote:I have an original and a WPG replica from, oh, 2005? I've never been able to cut the web strap off of the original (I just tuck it into the bag so you can't see it), but I much prefer it over the replica. Even though the replica is autographed and has been with me across the globe, the original feels sturdier, looks cooler with the weathered texture, and has cooler stories to tell. There's no beating the explanation that it's an old gas mask bag from World War 2. Mine even has some marker on it that says "AESF DECONTAMINATED NO/D." It's so faded you can't see it unless you look, but to me that's pretty awesome.

But long story short, I like the original just for durability's sake. This thing just feels tough! The replicas have always seemed to soft or floppy to be anything worthwhile to me. Either way you go, these bags are awesome.

Shane

Agreed, Shane.

For those who love the look and feel of the originals, no existing repro will completely satisfy. I feel that Magnoli is in the lead mainly due to their attention to the hardware detail and desired SA khaki green color. As far as replicating the stitching and the different weights of canvas used on each original, I suspect that it's more cost efficient to purchase an original than it is to manufacture a repro that's 100% accurate.

That said, I think repros may achieve perfection eventually, but not as long as originals are still available and in demand. Just my $.02.

indyfan1234 · Post by **indyfan1234** » Mon Aug 19, 2013 2:18 am

Thanks everyone for your input. And mcfly who autographed your bag?

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Fri Aug 30, 2013 1:56 am

It was Deborah Nadoolman (now Nadoolman-Landis), the costume designer from Raiders. I was lucky enough to meet her at Comic Con a few years ago!

Shane

Ruben · Post by **Ruben** » Sun Sep 22, 2013 12:36 pm

What is m & co? Where could I buy a bag like that?

Post by **Cajunkraut** » Sun Sep 22, 2013 12:50 pm

Ruben wrote:What is m & co? Where could I buy a bag like that?

Ruben,

'M & Co.' was one of the many MK VII bag contractors during WWII.

The things that make their bag different than the rest are that generally, they're more on the khaki than green side of the spectrum, although the first M & Co. I ordered was as green as my W&G (Waring & Gilbow Ltd.). The second thing is that the external loop that the waist cord attaches to is noticeably longer than most manufacturers', which is SA to HF's bag in ROTLA.

I've had bad luck with both of the M & Co. bags I've ordered, as they were both torn and/or dry rotted in one place or another. I finally gave up and stuck to my perfectly serviceable W&G.

Here's an interesting essay on the MK VII. Check out the extra long loop on the leading edge of Indy's in the photo that lantzn mentioned:

http://www.chronarchy.com/essays/markvii.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

M & Co. bags are available from:

(By special request) http://www.whatpriceglory.com/shopexd.asp?id=1914&bc=no" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/mkvii-indi ... oduct,8656" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck.

Erri · Post by **Erri** » Sun Oct 13, 2013 8:31 am

I join the bandwagon of suggesting originals because I have yet to see an excellent screen accurate reproduction and for the price gap between reproductions and original ones I would always choose the latter. Unless you need it for a "casual" costume, an authentic WWII bag is full of character and is always a must.

If you are interested I have bags of many different brands and colours to choose from, check out this thread of mine

Ruben · Post by **Ruben** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 4:50 am

I have bought a M&Co bag on sofmillitary.uk. It arrived here in only four days. It seems a little bit greener than expected. It's completely undamaged, except one button but it could easily be fixed.
I'm very happy with my bag. I am only looking for a leather strap. If you like it, I could post pictures.

Post by **Cajunkraut** » Wed Oct 30, 2013 11:16 am

Ruben wrote:I have bought a M&Co bag on sofmillitary.uk. It arrived here in only four days. It seems a little bit greener than expected. It's completely undamaged, except one button but it could easily be fixed.
I'm very happy with my bag. I am only looking for a leather strap. If you like it, I could post pictures.

Pics are always appreciated at COW.

WPG, makeitjones, and Todd's have good straps to choose from, depending on what SA look you want. A search of the forums will find end user pics of each. I bought Todd's because their latigo strap looks Raiders SA to me. Check 'em out:

http://onlinemilitaria.com/shopexd.asp?id=2251&bc=no" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://sites.google.com/site/makeitjon ... bag-straps" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.toddscostumes.com/costumes/m ... bag-strap/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Which MK VII to get?

Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?

Re: Which MK VII to get?