overnight bag

That Saddleback overnight is gorgeous. I think it just made my long-long term list.

THANKS for the update, COLONEL!

Interestingly, the lining of the Ebay "original" supplier matches the picture on the Duluth Trading Co. website, not your bag (which is too bad, because I like yours better!).

The bag looks like it's aging well! I'm going to order my own today!

As far as the label, both the Duluth Trading Co. and the Ebay version have that label... I was considering options, and thought about taking it to a local shoe repair/leather shop to see if they could make a replacement label for me, which I could then stencil my initials on. I don't imagine it would be that expensive, since it's a small piece of leather, and there wouldn't be that much stitching, either. In fact, when I order the bag from Ebay, I'll ask the seller if he could send me a scrap of leather. Since the bags are made abroad, that might not be possible, but it's worth a try!

I'll keep you updated!

"AWOL" Bag

I though I'd respond as a couple members here have purchased bags from me on Ebay .

I had originally designed the AWOL bag for Duluth Trading back in '04 from a bag my father carried back from Europe in WWII when they asked me for potential products. I changed a few things from the original, one being the leather, the other is the interior lining. The first run "plaid" interior was way too similar to a trademarked design (can you say Burberry?) so we changed it to the current interior.

I made some changes to the handles as well as time went on. The originals (both my Dad's and the reproduction had cardboard inside the handles. That had some failures so we changed to a molded rubber part for the inside of the leather handle. That seems to have done the trick.

There had been a few rivet failures as well. The rivet is inside the tab that holds the handles. I have had only a few but believe me, we try not to have this fail as a 5 cent part has the effect of someone sending back a $200 bag which I as the supplier eats. I make it a point that the factory correctly sets that rivet now.

I tried to faithfully reproduce a vintage bag in China to keep the price reasonable. DTC bought quite a few from me and though very happy with the product, they changed buyers. As these things go, they shopped for a better price and I think found someone that would make the product for less. Being the person that introduced them to the leather bag business, this doesn't sit well with me. But hey, thats business.

I sell them direct on bay now and have had pretty good success selling them at far less than the $200 they charge.

I have logo-d all the bags with my own brand "Stillwater Dry Goods" as I plan to reproduce some other vintage designs as well and probably follow up with my own catalog. In the meantime I have taken in your criticism (comments?) and will probably order the next batch (in several months time) with a brass zipper, shoulder strap "d"rings, and probably some without logos.

As to replacing the current logo. It may be possible but the lining is in the way inside. You will have exposed sewing inside unless the person reworking the bag takes the top perimeter apart. You'll have to check with him. I can see what I have for leather to send . You might also try a brass plate with your initials riveted on.

Thanks for the purchases and feedback.

BTW, I personally know the people at "JW Hulme" and can vouch for them as stand up manufacturers. They make everything in house in St Paul, MN to a very high standard. They are not shy of their prices but these products are costly to produce and they do a nice job with their line.

Dave

Dave! Thanks for taking the time to write that info up for us. :eusa_clap

I am sure it give some insights on the business climate a it stands these days. Best of luck with your products, I hope to be making a purchase some day soon.

My pleasure. If anyone here would like a bag, send me an PM and we can skip the ebay costs. I have some other stuff that I had done for Duluth available as "seconds" that are cosmetic.

Dave

I for one would be interested in the AWOL bag with the brass zipper for sure. Could you keep us up to date from time to time and let us know when they are available?

You had mentioned something about making other vintage inspired items, would a Dopp Kit be in the works? My Pop has one (exactly like the Bosca wash kit today) complete with the brass zipper. I think he's had this one since he went in the Army back in 1950. What are the chances of having something like that made with the brass zipper as well?

Cheers!

Dan

I second the AWOL bag request below. Add a brass zipper and a shoulder strap and I'll by one. Please keep us informed of when they're available.

DanielJones said:

I for one would be interested in the AWOL bag with the brass zipper for sure. Could you keep us up to date from time to time and let us know when they are available?

You had mentioned something about making other vintage inspired items, would a Dopp Kit be in the works? My Pop has one (exactly like the Bosca wash kit today) complete with the brass zipper. I think he's had this one since he went in the Army back in 1950. What are the chances of having something like that made with the brass zipper as well?

Cheers!

Dan

Click to expand...

20% off from Duluth

For any folks considering buying the AWOL bag from Duluth Trading Company: I received a mailer on how to get 20% off your purchase on $75 or more. This expires on 10/07/2010.

Go to DuluthTrading.com/promo
Use the code T10PC5A

My Duluth Trading Co. knock-off/original AWOL bag from Ebay arrived with lightening speed. I must say I'm pleased, but I do agree with previous posts... A brass zipper and absent brand marking would make this bag PERFECT! (However, for the price, it certainly can't be beat!)

I've already taken it on one trip. It's roomier than I thought, and the folding top helps slightly compress the contents, and in particular, keep my shaving kit upright. It's wonderful!

I'm still hoping for a leather piece from Dave so that I might try to replace the logo with an initialed leather patch. Dave also suggested an engraved brass plate, which will probably be plan "B." One of the options for attaching either the patch or the plate (which I have to give Dave credit for), is using rivets, which would be 1) Easy to do, but 2) Might help to make it look more intentional than trying to match the stitching AND make the interior look tidier. It's unlikely that I would bother with the time and/or expense of removing the liner to conceal the badge attachment... Unless of course I decide I can't live without the brass zipper!

Now I just have to wait for a nice patina to develop... It's a little too shiny and new for my taste fresh out of the box!

Oh, and Dave, what are your thoughts on producing a matching shaving kit?!

Dopp Kit

I did make one at one time for DTC but it was firehose cotton and leather trimmed. I have one or two lying around if you are interested. Send me an email and I can hook U up.

Dave

Not vintage and not as manly as some of those great leather bags you guys have been posting, but this Ralph Lauren leather-trimmed nylon bag in unused condition was a steal at the thrift shop yesterday for $2.99.

bucketboss said:

My pleasure. If anyone here would like a bag, send me an PM and we can skip the ebay costs. I have some other stuff that I had done for Duluth available as "seconds" that are cosmetic.

Dave

Click to expand...

Thank you for the kind offer Dave. Your bag looks wonderful. I will be looking forward to the version ordered with the shoulder strap.

Colonel said:

For any folks considering buying the AWOL bag from Duluth Trading Company: I received a mailer on how to get 20% off your purchase on $75 or more. This expires on 10/07/2010.

Go to DuluthTrading.com/promo
Use the code T10PC5A

Click to expand...

This year's code is SANTA20. You will get 20% off & free shipping.