1855-1863

The knapsack on the left, belonging to an injured Charles L. Cogar, a private in the 2nd Iowa, company F was brought home upon his discharge from Camp Montgomery, MS (southeast of Corinth), July 21, 1862.

Details: The knapsack straps are attached with two horizontal rows of stitching. The seams are sewn with a welt.

The knapsack to right is a variant of the early war knapsack. All features are identical with the exception of the strap and buckles which are attached with rivets instead of stitching. Both of these knapsacks will accept the frame (below).

Late 1863 - end of War Knapsack

  There are several differences between the early war and late war versions of knapsack. This late pattern knapsack is one of 15 knapsacks we own of this pattern. The body of the late pattern knapsack is approximately 1" wider than the earlier pattern. The straps are attached with two vertical rows of stitching. The back straps are marked with maker and inspector stamps and sometimes even contract dates. The brass studs on the back straps are covered with circles of leather and the ends are scalloped. The wooden frame was not designed for this knapsack.

Single Bag Knapsack

This knapsack is a large single bag. There is an inside divider made of cotton bed ticking which stops just short of reaching the bottom of the bag. Two shoulder straps make an "X" on the back and go over shoulder and attach back to the pack. This knapsack has straps to enable one to can carry a blanket rolled up on top.

Haversacks

The age and fragile condition of the haversacks made measuring a difficult task at best. There are known size variations from original to original.

The Early Pattern

The outside front of the haversack is marked with regimental markings; the top line is "MASS 1", the second line "Co. M", and the last is "10". The inner bag is buttoned in using three bone buttons. The outer flap is closed with a strap and buckle. The strap and buckle are attached to the bag with two horizontal rows of stitching. Dimensions:
Overall length 16" including the body and flap.
Width 12 1/2"
Strap 1 3/4" wide & 40" long.

The Late War Pattern

Our reproduction wartime haversack is patterned from the haversack pictured on the right. The inner bag buttons in using three tin paper backed buttons. (The inner bag was not present when purchased.) The strap and buckle are attached with two vertical rows of stitching.
Dimensions:
Overall length 18" which includes the body and flap Width is 13"
Strap is 1 3/4" wide and 40" long.