Description

Based upon the army issue pattern in construction and dimension is this fine haversack representing one of the many variations of coated and painted bags and contracts for both military supply and private purchase during the war. (Note: Sorry to have to repeat this at nauseum but in today’s text emoji hieroglyphic world – one has to be clear to the point of irritation for those of us who still have the attention span and ability to speak and understand the nuances of authentic written language. This haversack is not being represented as a particular “Army Issue” haversack with any QMD provenance. We are Sutlers not Quartermasters and we do not sell Gov’t issue equipment – that would be illegal! Many, many items of clothing and equipment, including haversacks, were sold to soldiers and the general public advertised as “Army Pattern” during the period……because they were based upon existing or past army patterns, of which there were many variants, nothing more ) Marked for the Gutta Percha Manufacturing Company which had multiple pre-war and wartime contracts for various pieces of equipment and utilized Rider’s and Murphy’s pre-war patents for their waterproofing processes, and is so indicated on the maker’s various stamps in their products. (patents of 1852 and 1854, they made holsters, ground cloths, packs, haversacks, straps, etc.) Leather closing strap and blackened roller buckle. All outside stitching on this haversack is done in red providing a nice flair and bit of class, copying several period items we have examined. This version is lined with a red and natural striped cotton bed ticking bag and has brown cotton herring bone twill tape button loops sewn into the edge to attach to the haversack as opposed to the more standard cut holes. (also a feature we examined on an original officer’s bag) The buttons are our equally high quality period correct blackened enameled tin with stippled rim or blackened pewter with rim, depending on what we have handy at the time. (NOTE: Please see our notes on Haversack Straps located under the Reference and Research tab on our Home Page. Click the Research link) (we have rec’d some inquiries in the past from soldiers concerned that the button in liner was not as deep as the haversack body. Some patterns of haversack did have a full body liner designed to be removed and either washed or replaced. They proved inadequate as the grease permeated them and quickly soiled the bag beyond effectiveness. This more shallow liner was designed as a suspension  “compartment” where the soldier could put more valued foodstuffs he wished to keep separate from the slop in the bottom of the bag, thus it is purposely made shorter than the haversack) A fine looking haversack for civilian or soldier alike, and a good private purchase example for the junior officer after a little change of pace. Produced on a limited run – consistent with our commitment to providing a more diverse representation of mid 19th C. material culture.