Carpetbag Frames

[NYCivilWar]

Hello All,

Does anyone know of a manufacturer of carpetbag frames? I am looking for just the frame, preferably with a locking mechanism, similar to those found on antique doctor's bags. I have searched, unsuccessfully, online, but have only found modern purse frames. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kyle M. Stetz

[fire_zouave]

Re: Carpetbag Frames

Pat Kline still produces carpet bags. I'd imagine that he might have frames.

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Carpetbag Frames

Pat Kline may or may not be forthcoming with the information you seek. I have been researching carpet bags (and have about five of the few dozens in my personal collection that I want to reproduce using his carpet) for the better part of five years and have not gotten much from Pat (after numerous inquiries) in regards to whom he uses in regards to frames.

Send me a PM if you want to compare notes on the originals I have in my collection that are close to what you described.

[Drygoods]

Re: Carpetbag Frames

Good Morning,

I have an alternate suggestion if you are only interested in making one bag for yourself. I've found that a walk through a thirft or junk second hand store sometimes offers surprising results. A double handled leather satchel that is past it's prime, or has mildew is just the item. Simply remove the handles and hardware, leather latch flap assembly, then cut the leather off of the steel frame. Measure and rebuild using your own carpet cloth, sew into place, remember to put balsa wood between the bottom lining and covering, then hammer decorative nails through the bottom. When you stitch the handles, to the cloth, you will have to use reinforcements betweeen the layers, and likely will have to sew into the same holes that were used previously. This can be tricky, and to keep it from coming apart, you may have to rip out the old and stitch new as you go along. And if you don't have the key and want the bag to lock, visit a locksmith and see if he has a key that fits. Sometimes for under $10 you can have all the parts that you need, but be prepared for plenty of work, particularly removing the leather from the frame.

The other alternative is to visit a leather shop, and see what they might offer in terms of handles and frames. Good Luck.:wink_smil

[allan4570]

Re: Carpetbag Frames

Kyle, very late in reply, but I have recently been given some original Belgium carpet to use in making myself a carpet bag. After searching for several months, I found this company, Sunbelt Fasterner Company. You will need to ask for;
Large frame, SFPF-IF0416, Vanity Frame, 16"
Small frame, SFPF-IF0410, Vanity Frame, 10"
Doctor Bag Frame, SFPF-IF0216, Doc Frame, 16"

https://www.sunbeltfashion.com

Min order is 25.00.
I am still looking for a proper lock!

Regards, Allan Becton

[FloridaRanger]

Re: Carpetbag Frames

I did a quick google search and found several sources of carpet bag frames, by searching on 'carpet bag frame', including Etsy and http://www.sewthankful.com/BagHardware.html where there is no minimum purchase except one (1)

[allan4570]

Re: Carpetbag Frames

Ken, in doing a quick look at your recommended site, I did not see the correct frame. Carpet bag frames are made of flat iron/steel and are not tubular. The site may have the correct ones, but I did not find them. So, you have to be careful and choose the correct hardware.

[Ian McWherter]

Re: Carpetbag Frames

After examining numerous original examples, I've determined the only way to go is buying an original. There just aren't any frames out there that compare. Pat Kline's frames are wrong, lock mechanisms are wrong, and the handles are wrong. His bags also don't have the typical painted cloth bottom. For the price you'd pay for one of his you can get an original in decent condition. For the cost of making one yourself, unless you can find period carpet super cheap, you can buy an original. Even if you have carpet available, the frame will get you. I have friends who looked into making their own and in the end, after a frustrating search for appropriate frames, they just bought originals.

[Jimmayo]

Re: Carpetbag Frames


FYI
Here is a frame dug in Petersburg. It had the inkwell inside. There were two metal rods that I suppose supported the bottom that didn't make it home.

[NYCivilWar]

Re: Carpetbag Frames

Since starting this thread over three years ago, I have ditched the idea of making a carpetbag WITH a frame. I have come across numerous carpetbags over the past few years both in person and online. Through my own personal observation, I would say that the majority of carpetbags DID NOT use a metal frame as I initially thought. I've noticed some common features on the carpetbags I've seen:

-typically the measure 12" x 12" or so; roughly square
-a flap extends as part of the back piece over the front and is usually quite short 3" or so
-as a for a handle, it is usually rope covered by the same ingrain material
-nearly every single bag I have seen has the same/similar round lock plate (female part) on the front body of the bag and a shield shaped (male part) on the flap of the bag. I found several locks at relic shows picked up on battlefields (which tells you something) polished them up and put them on my reproduction.


Again, these are just MY general observations, but there are definitely some recurring similarities in these bags.

Best,

[old bear]

Re: Carpetbag Frames

If you search for "canvas tool bag", you will find modern canvas tool bags that have a "flat" metal frame very similar to the original pictured above (without the lock). This is the closest thing that I have found. Removing the frame from the bag takes a little work as they typically have riveted the canvas to the frame. I paid just over $20 for mine which isn't too bad for a frame. You can find these bags used on ebay around this price.

Mike Jones