Militia "Hard Pack" Knapsack
Item #: AA791
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This is a Pre Civil War militia "Hard Pack" Knapsack. These knapsacks were utilized by state militia of the north and south before the model 1855 "soft" knapsack. The hardpack had a wooden frame covered by a painted cloth. The soldier used this as a means to carry everything he considered essential to survive while on campaign. The usual items found inside were extra socks, under clothes, an extra shirt, shelter half or tent, gum blanket or ground cloth, tent pegs rope, twine, house wife and rations. A large leather flap covered the front of the knapsack. This leather flap had a cloth back with a leather edge. Three leather straps were used on the top to retain a wool blanket carried by the soldier. Two of the straps are missing completely. One of the blanket tie downs is still attached, but the roller buckle is missing. The leather shoulders straps are broken, but are inside the pack. The outside of the leather flap is marked with the number 32 in 3" white lettering. On the right side of the pack at the bottom is a white 1" G over 3/4" white number 36. On the inside cloth flap in black period ink is G 36. In pencil is what appears to be the soldiers first and middle initials and the last name of Beck. There is also something else written below the name, also in pencil. I believe it is the city and state of the soldier. It would seem that Mr. Beck was the 36th soldier of G Company, 32nd Infantry Regiment. If you can decipher the writing in pencil then you could possibly identify this hard pack to a specific state militia. The leather is still in decent condition considering it is over 160 years old. There is a cut in the back flap approximately 2" long above the numbers 32. There are also several cracks and small tears along the edge of the leather flap. The linen tie strings on the inner cloth covers are present. If you are a collector of Infantry equipment you won't want to pass this one up.
Shipping Weight:
5 lbs
Item # AA791
(Sold)
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