This is a rare Civil War period English-made knapsack produced by the firm S. Isaac, Campbell & Company of London. It is constructed of white canvas, painted black on the exterior surfaces. There are leather reinforced corners and leather straps. There is no wood frame inside.

This knapsack has had the shoulder straps cut off. All interior closing straps remain as does one of the two bottom closing straps. Both small roller buckles remain attached on the lower corners of the cover flap. Both brass “J” hooks and the middle buckle remain on the bottom. Wood strips remain in place at the top of the cover flap.

“S. ISAAC CAMPBELL & CO. LONDON” is stenciled on the interior of the cover flap.

Overall condition is good. There are several splits and separations to the painted canvas. The most severe is at the top “hinge” area where the flap is almost completely separated; only held in place by the leather strip on one side. This same leather strip has come partially unstitched. Another “fold” runs across the center of the outer flap. Otherwise, the pack shows light wear overall but displays very well.

In 1838 Samuel Isaac had established himself as a merchant that sold various military uniforms, belts and knapsacks for use by soldiers and sailors. By 1845 he had founded S. Isaac, Campbell & Company under the title of "Samuel Isaac, Military Contractor & Tailor", a leather and clothing goods company located in Chatham at 71 High Street. Originally the firm found success and established its name in the boot making business before expanding its operations to other supplies. By 1848 the company grew its second office in London at 21 St. James Street, using the firm's new title of "Isaac Samuel, Army Contractor" while the firm grew rapidly by selling more military supplies. In 1851 the firm again changed its name to "Samuel Isaac & Company" and one year later to "S. Isaac, Campbell & Company". The firm at this time operated in Chatham, until mid-1861 when they moved their main location in London to 71 Jermyn Street right after the outbreak of Civil War in America.  [jet] [ph:L]

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