My Map Cases (kartentasche) Replica vs Original
Bought this replica map case from a China dealer around 2012.
It was so well made, thick and heavy pebble leather with stitches identical to original, only the metal reinforcement tip is a bit soft.
Hopping that it can be a daily use bag as the original bag can stuffing to its full extension.
But sadly to found that it is so tight and narrow not event fits my wallet, coins bag and Ray Ban sun glasses pouch and very difficult to pull out.
It needs a popper breaking in but didn’t do so and kept in storage until now.
Obtained an same version original map case last year with the metal tip and all collect features but most marking are not clear only can read the 1937.
It is well used and can be fill to its full to triple to the empty thickness.
When compared with the replica found out the Chinese manufacturer made a huge mistake.
Even they have the skill on leather products, but lack of reference on original features.
The leather on replica are all in 3mm thickness, while the original is in 2mm.
The foldable side walls on replica 2mm and the original is 1mm.
Since the outside dimension remain unchanged the extra thickness of four sides together with the partition reduced 4 to 5mm of the internal space and unable to expend.
The weight of the replica is 36% heavier then the original.
It is a good looking display but not a practical piece of gear for reenactment use.
(It is a single case, may be another replica map cases has difference results.)
