Random research:
So I'm still obsessed with Joseph Duclos, particularly the Saint-Clair messenger bag. On the website's description it says:
The Saint-Clair Messenger Bag draws its inspiration from 18th-century royal cases that lent an undeniable nobility to any movement.
I've been wondering what this "18th-century royal case" looks like. Today, with the help of ChatGPT (for search keywords), I was finally able to locate what I think is the inspiration of the Saint-Clair messenger bag.
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The images on the left column are of the recreation of the cartridge pouches that were used by the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) from 1777 to 1784 (
source):
During the course of the American Revolution, there were a variety of cartridge pouch designs employed by the British. Old styles dating from the 7 Years War, reversible block pouches carrying between 36 and 40 rounds, 18 round pouches with tin inserts, 18 round pouches with wood blocks, 26 round pouches, and 29 round pouches.
The 1777 accoutrement order listed that the cartridge pouches for the Light Company included a brass mounted powder horn and a bullet bag in addition to the pouch with buff strap and brass ornament on the flap.
Speaking of the "pouch with buff strap", it seems like it can be the inspiration for another Saint-Clair bag: the Saint-Clair Clutch
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So there you have it. Very apt for a company that has "Royal Manufacture" in its slogan
I'm excited to see what other royal inspirations Ramesh Nair will end up using in future JD bags.