These tarred-linen “double bag” knapsacks were introduced in the 1850s and became the standard issue pack for the Civil War soldier. Designed to open up with a pocket under the outer flap that was tied shut with two rawhide strips, the main compartment had flaps that buckle closed and was designed to be a flat square, being fitted with gussets so that a frame of thin boards could be inserted to create a “hard pack,” though those few frames that made it into the field usually became kindling for campfires in short order.

This one is in excellent condition with no tears, and all buckles straps and ties in place. The two sections buckle together at the bottom with three narrow straps on the back which show finish loss from flexing. Two flat loops are on the flat, top section to secure blanket roll straps. The shoulder harness is complete and solid, with good finish. The left shoulder strap was intended to buckle in place on the bottom. The right strap has the intermediate buckle and hook section that permits the soldier to rapidly unsling the pack by simply unhooking that side. The two support straps that extend from each shoulder strap are there as well. Their brass hooks were intended to fit the loops on the issue 1855 pattern rifleman’s belt and some photos show Civil War soldiers using them to support their issue US oval waist belts, but most simply crossed them over to hook on the other shoulder belt and keep the two shoulder belts from spreading out.

Most of these are pretty torn up and mended or the leather shows lots of flaking and finish loss. This is a superior example to most on the market and is a key piece of field gear for the Civil War collector.  [SR]

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