Monday, November 22, 2010

The Origins Of The Modern Messenger Bag In World War Two's Canvas Messenger Bags

By Jared E. Ingram


Messenger bags may seem to be a relatively new innovation born on the streets of New York, London and San Francisco where they were popularized by cycle couriers. That is certainly true as regards their recent history, but their roots go back a lot further in time.

More than a century ago postmen used massive leather baggage slung throughout the shoulders similarly to modern messenger bags. Those outdated leather postal bags lacked most of the improvements and conveniences of the newer ones, however the lineage is clear.

The bloodline established by dispatch riders and couriers through the Second World Struggle is also evident in the newer luggage used by couriers. The outdated canvas messenger luggage that they used to carry orders and messages were additionally closed by a large flap and have been worn throughout the shoulder. In kind and function they have been incredibly much like the bags subsequently adopted by cycle messengers.

The old canvas bags proved so sturdy and handy that they have been adopted for a variety of uses. One could find particular versions for paratroopers as well as unusual infantrymen. These pouches also proved useful for way over simply carrying documents and orders. Soldiers adapted them to carrying ammunition, medical tools and different supplies.

And it was these bags which provided some inspiration to later generations of cycle couriers when they developed the messenger bag as we now know it. Yet the continued evolution and development of these bags has not stopped. Many are now produced with dedicated protective pouches for laptop computers.

Most have small pockets for holding keys, mobile telephones and small change. In fact although the basic form and function of these bags have remained unchanged for over a century they are almost unrecognizable as siblings. No doubt, the bags that are in fashion twenty years from now will be similarly unrecognizable.




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