Why did they put numbers on old leather Doctors Bags?
Jul 11, 2013 23:19:10 #
I have this really old leather Doctors Bag with painted numbers on it.
When we purchased it we were told that possably but not certain that the numbers on the bag were for people who travelled by train a lot, and since most bags looked the same back then they would be assigned different numbers. I could not find any information to clarify this statement online anywhere. Would anyone know for sure about the numbers.
Also does anyone know how old this type of bag was. I was thinking maybe the late 1800's to early 1900's
When we purchased it we were told that possably but not certain that the numbers on the bag were for people who travelled by train a lot, and since most bags looked the same back then they would be assigned different numbers. I could not find any information to clarify this statement online anywhere. Would anyone know for sure about the numbers.
Also does anyone know how old this type of bag was. I was thinking maybe the late 1800's to early 1900's
It looks like the base is stamped Warrented Genuine Cowhide 16 120
Jul 12, 2013 00:51:17 #
It's an nice photo of an interesting looking old Dr's type bag. But I heve trouble in seeing the numbers being for train travel as why would a Dr/someone need to uniquely/specifically mark a bag that will probably never leave their side or sight. For in the early 1900's the only luggage that was checked was usually larger steamer type trunks or boxes. Plus Dr's being mostly proud of their degrees would probably have their name preceeded by Dr painted on their Dr's bag, such as Dr Pepper or Dr Spock. I mean would you let the tools of your trade out of your sight if the loss of said tools would put a crimp in your ability to make a living?
Jul 12, 2013 05:40:26 #
Jul 12, 2013 06:36:29 #
It was done by the "Mad Painter" ....
http://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=youtube%2Bthe+number+painter&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&channel=suggest
"I'm going to paint the number 330!"
http://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=youtube%2Bthe+number+painter&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&channel=suggest
"I'm going to paint the number 330!"
Jul 12, 2013 06:41:52 #
Jul 12, 2013 06:49:51 #
Here's the answer:
According to photo number 6, the bottom of the bag is stamped with these words "Warrented Genuine Cowhide." So it's very obvious that the cows were branded while in the herd out in the pasture. Then they were slaughtered and their hides made into bags.
The big question ... Why were they branded with paint?
According to photo number 6, the bottom of the bag is stamped with these words "Warrented Genuine Cowhide." So it's very obvious that the cows were branded while in the herd out in the pasture. Then they were slaughtered and their hides made into bags.
The big question ... Why were they branded with paint?
Jul 12, 2013 06:54:51 #
Actually, even though it might have been a satchel primarily used by doctors, in this case I think it was used by someone other than a doctor. Perhaps a traveling mathematician.
Or, more realistically, perhaps a member of a train crew ... train number 330? Or perhaps a travelling circus?
Or, more realistically, perhaps a member of a train crew ... train number 330? Or perhaps a travelling circus?
Jul 12, 2013 07:09:53 #
For your research, here are some antique medical type satchels from eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Doctor-Bags-/163030/i.html?rt=nc
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Doctor-Bags-/163030/i.html?rt=nc
Jul 12, 2013 07:23:52 #
I just found this picture of a painted bag:
http://www.google.com/search?um=1&client=opera&channel=suggest&hl=en&biw=1398&bih=948&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=numbers+painted+on+medical+bag&oq=numbers+painted+on+medical+bag&gs_l=img.3...17407.21503.0.26602.10.10.0.0.0.0.84.600.10.10.0....0...1c.1.19.img.gLmw-fNFaZk#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=jM-IUHiLxz-6KM%3A%3BDVbQRNDj12HbkM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Flh3.ggpht.com%252F-Vx8_QldiPL8%252FT-X0uGeRV5I%252FAAAAAAAAEVQ%252FpEnHHs-Payo%252FIMG_0864_2762_thumb1.jpg%253Fimgmax%253D800%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftheoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com%252F2012%252F06%252Fshe-makes-house-calls-too.html%3B800%3B534
There's also a bag with "Asylum" painted on it. Interesting!
http://www.google.com/search?um=1&client=opera&channel=suggest&hl=en&biw=1398&bih=948&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=numbers+painted+on+medical+bag&oq=numbers+painted+on+medical+bag&gs_l=img.3...17407.21503.0.26602.10.10.0.0.0.0.84.600.10.10.0....0...1c.1.19.img.gLmw-fNFaZk#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=jM-IUHiLxz-6KM%3A%3BDVbQRNDj12HbkM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Flh3.ggpht.com%252F-Vx8_QldiPL8%252FT-X0uGeRV5I%252FAAAAAAAAEVQ%252FpEnHHs-Payo%252FIMG_0864_2762_thumb1.jpg%253Fimgmax%253D800%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftheoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com%252F2012%252F06%252Fshe-makes-house-calls-too.html%3B800%3B534
There's also a bag with "Asylum" painted on it. Interesting!
Jul 12, 2013 11:00:24 #
This is a "Boston bag" and not necessarily a "doctors bag". They were very popular traveling items, and still are, which you will find if you Google "Boston bag". There are numerous references (and sale ads) for Boston bags on the Internet.
Jul 12, 2013 18:45:53 #
Fr.Stuart wrote:
This is a "Boston bag" and not necessarily a "doctors bag". They were very popular traveling items, and still are, which you will find if you Google "Boston bag". There are numerous references (and sale ads) for Boston bags on the Internet.
Thank you for the information Fr. Stuart, I had always thought it to be a doctors bag as it looks similar.
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