Indiana Jones Mk-VII Gas Mask Bag

The little child in me is jumping for joy at my newest acquisition.  I have managed after some diligent searching to find an actual, un-used gas mask bag identical to the one used by Harrison Ford in the Indy series.

Here I am proudly displaying my much sought after prize.

Sadly.  It was made in 1942.  The markings on the inside flap clearly say MK-VII and 1942, but as for the manufacturer, I don't know.  Its in the midst of fading away.  Along with slowly vanishing lettering, the strap is somewhat dry rotted.  I knew this upon purchasing it and have always planned on replacing the strap with a more authentic Indy style leather strap.

With flash on camera

Without flash on camera

Unfortunately the bag gave out a bit earlier than I thought.    I had planned on being resourceful and making my own strap.  But I'm lazy and working on too many projects aside from the ones on this site.  So, I've ordered one from Magnoli Clothiers, who have been making fine leather goods for quite some time.  As well, they've been specifically recommended concerning this strap.

Undamaged side

To be repaired

As you can see, the anchor is the part that broke on my bag, so I'm going to have a local tailor create a new strap anchor from the existing webbing shoulder strap.  More than likely I'll ask him to reinforce it with some stronger newer material underneath.  I'm a bit sad to have to cannibalize this vintage strap, but I was never going to use it again.  After i get it all fixed and pieced together I'll post more pictures.  As well, I'll try to decipher the manufacturer.