Haversacks carried a soldier’s rations, mess gear, and what other small comforts or essentials he might stow in them. This pattern was introduced about 1858 is the standard issue government pattern, made like the knapsack of painted or “tarred” canvas and is both equally hard to find in good condition and many times rarer. Even when surplus dealers had literal ceiling-high stacks of knapsacks, Civil War haversacks were uncommon, being carelessly treated in the field, useful in civilian life as general purpose shoulder bags and subject to the same problems for preservation as the knapsacks with painted fabric likely to stick together, harden, tear, etc., making their survival rate low. This one is in good condition, showing some tears that were sewn shut, or stitching reinforced, but no large holes or missing fabric. It is also complete with its interior cloth “pocket,” that was often removed and lost or used for other purposes, like making small poke bags for sugar, coffee and the like, or simply for cleaning rags before an inspection.

The flap and face of the bag are very good. Both the fastening strap or billet and the buckle held by a small leather chape are in place and secure with just some scattered finish loss to the full-length billet. The upper corners of the bag front show some short edge tears that have been closed up with black thread. The back of the back is good, with just a couple of small rub spots and two areas of repair. On the right hand side there was short looping tear and a longer vertical tear near the edge and running close to the bottom that have also been closed up with black thread. The folded ends of the shoulder strap where they attach to the bag have been reinforced on the right by the same means and the black thread is not very noticeable. On the upper left a yellow piece of string was used and looks very much like it was done in the period, something not uncommon since these are natural points of stress with a loaded haversack. Otherwise, we see only one or two short separations on a fold and the interior preserves not only its three tin buttons for the liner, but also the liner itself, showing some stains, but in good condition. The shoulder strap is in very good condition, with no breaks. We see just a short horizontal tear on the outer edge just above the left rear of the bag.

Like the canteen, the haversack was an essential piece of gear, and at most times of day and days of the year, more important to a soldier than his weapons. Veterans constantly advised new recruits to be on the lookout for food, and haversacks unguarded or discarded on a march by an over-burdened novice were eagerly gathered up. This would look great in a display of Civil War field gear, mess gear, canteens, or personal items. It is a simple and rather unsophisticated piece, but a key piece in any collection or display of Civil War military gear. This one is nice and unusually complete.  [SR] [ph:L]

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