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  1. #1
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    Repurposing a WW2 Down Bag, Has anyone tried?

    I am just wondering if it is worth tearing one apart to use the down in a quilt. I think it might have too many feathers, but I have not tore into it to see. What say you all and thanks in advance.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Tyroler Holzhacker's Avatar
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    it may have more value as a collectible to sell to a WW2 memorabilia collector, and then DIY or buy a modern Top quilt/under quilt.

  3. #3
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    Do not.

    Don't.

  4. #4
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    I had one as a teen- these are the bags Harvey Manning described in "Backpacking One Step At a Time" as being stuffed with "chicken feathers and floor sweepings".

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    I looked at mine and the quality of the feathers was poor, and very little down. Not worth it.

  6. #6
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    Absolutely DO NOT BOTHER. IF you just have to see what is inside wear a mask and work outdoors.

    If you shop around you will find coats and occassionally a nice quality down to repurpose.

    Way back when those "Down" bags were made they just used stuff from birds at the slaughter house. Some guy from the lowest level was paid to "pluck" the live chickens, before slaughter. Hence the old insult of Chicken Plucker.

    Down now is very processed and very nice. Back in the earlier days down in garments or bags is nothing like we have today. Great - great grandmothers quilt wou to us be a huge bag of moldy old feathers.

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    1942 was a very good year for feathers. Should be nicely aged by now, with notes of smoke and cinnamon.

  8. #8
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    I was afraid they had bad stuffing. Even for heavy duty cloth outside and inner, they seem abnormally heavy.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Tyroler Holzhacker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Darkarcher View Post
    I was afraid they had bad stuffing. Even for heavy duty cloth outside and inner, they seem abnormally heavy.
    Probably use 10 pounds of 150 FP chicken feathers!!!

  10. #10

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    You guys are going to throw it away just because of its age? That does not seem right. You could check out the contents and then decide. Along with some fabric it could make a good practice quilt.

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