Description

Here is a limited run haversack based upon several original examples of various patterns and features. Documented to both southern use, likely modified, and, original northern commercial production, with coatings applied on material both pre-construction and post construction. The methods and material/chemical process of “waterproofing” and coating  items during the period was quite widely diverse. While Goodyear’s patent is the most celebrated, and erroneously claimed by quite a few unscrupulous entrepeneurs of the period – many makers simply utilized other methods and processes with results running the entire gamut of success. (those alternatively successful were often bought out – see Woshner)  An excellent example of the rubberized goods available for private purchase by the soldier and civilian alike. While examples of haversack with this particular coating placement do vary in pattern, we have made this run in the most practical “army pattern” with rectangular base in cotton canvas duck, a configuration present in original samples documented. Applied to the bag, post construction, is flexible rubberized coating which is applied pressed into the fabric for penetrating adherence and coating smoothed on the surface for a pliable but stout “patent leather” type of finish, as described in several period reports on such items in military trials. (not merely latex paint, this is real rubber) The rubber coating is applied to the back panel of the construction up to the side and bottom seams and including the flap which covers the top of the bag and buttons closed. This configuration is admittedly curious as it relates specifically to waterproofing. However, soldiers personal writings and anecdotal documentation suggests that soldiers were quite disgusted by the condition that their haversacks ended up in, even after just a few days on campaign with marching rations enclosed, especially in the summer. The result was stinking and dripping with grease, etc, and they complained of how it ruined their clothing. Some suggested that the “tarred” coating was actually more functional in protecting them from their haversacks than protecting the foodstuffs comingled into a unidentifiable soupy mixture within. Such a configuration would allow it to breath and yet still protect the wearer, and provide rain protection for the most cherished items tucked into the top under the flap. The liner is made of cotton muslin and buttons in with matching black enameled tin buttons and hand sewn button holes. (NOTE: Please see our notes on Haversack Straps located under the Reference and Research tab on our Home Page. Click the Research link) A simple documented rubberized haversack for the soldier/citizen or officer, not wanting the expense or attention of the fancier adorned leather affairs but after a documented somewhat unique representation which stand apart from the most common. Marked for Union India Rubber Company of New York, a well known producer of many different types of rubberized and coated equipment who also had a contract to utilize Goodyear’s patent. Although it is indicated on their documented stamp, they produced varied process rubber coatings in addition to Goodyear’s. While none of the original examples of this haversack have readable maker’s marks, one coated haversack with the white canvas front such as this limited run we have produced, is documented to have been provided to a NY regiment in the early war period and bears company marking stenciled on the front panel below the flap. UIRC of New York was one of the premier military contractors of the period for rubberized goods.