1890s U.S. ‘MERRIAM PATENTED’ CANVAS KNAPSACK

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Item Code: 1251-39

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Example of an original specimen of a late 1890s Federal issue, box-style canvas Army pack known as the “Merriam Patented” knapsack. Invented by Co. Henry Clay Merriam, the average soldier disliked it and referred to its as The Murdering Knapsack. Issued to mostly New York State troops in the late 1890s, the pack is constructed of heavy duck canvas, both stitched and riveted around a metal interior frame. The canvas cloth pack had four inner flaps that opened to access the interior. Pack measures 16” high x 12” wide and has of a number of narrow leather straps and metal clips that hooked up to a Mills leather waist belt. This infantryman’s accoutrement is about the size of a Civil War knapsack and would hold one quart bottle, plus space enough for socks, a shaving kit and a deck of cards.

The army blanket was formed into a long roll and laid across the top of pack and down each side. Straps sewn to the pack would secure the blanket to the outside of box. Beneath the Merriam pack were two exterior straps to hold a rolled up overcoat. Interestingly, the Merriam pack had two long hickory sticks that fastened to the upper corners of the pack (both sticks included).  Opposite end of the sticks fitted into the end pockets of that half-belt and rested below the soldier’s kidneys when on the march. The army reasoned that this pack took the heavy load off the man’s shoulders. ll leather straps are in good condition, strong and supple.  Canvas shows some surface grime and the exterior exhibits numerals “13”, “14” and “11” stenciled in black ink, likely New York State regimental unit designations. An unusual army accoutrement from the late 1890s.  [RA] [PH:L]

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