Knapsacks
ALL the knapsacks I make are copied from originals in all details down to the paint and stitching. I only use correct oil based paint for my knapsacks. I do not use latex, as it is incorrect. All the knapsacks are painted and let to cure for 3 weeks. They are totally safe.
You the customer deserve the very best and the most accurate reproductions. Even though they may cost a bit more than others, we promise you will get the highest authenticity and detail - true museum quality that will last.
PRE-WAR U.S.
PWK1 Pre War Issue Soft Knapsack (1812-1853) AKA “Mexican War, Knapsack. Made Of REAL Painted Cloth (1820-1865) - $240.00
A common sense design, the “Mexican War” pack gets its name from that war due to its issue and usage during that conflict. This bag is entirely handsewn with flat felled seams and is hand painted with correct period black paint. The main body of the bag measuring approx 12”X 12” with a 4 “ gusset, buttoning closed via a 3 button holed flap and white metal buttons. The removable iron dyed leather harness caries the bag securely, and can be taken off the bag to be used as a blanket carrier. Entire bag & harness are 100% handsewn.
NEW!!! PWK2 Militia Wood Framed Knapsack (1840-1900) - $240.00
I am happy to add this wonderful pattern of knapsack. This is copied after 4 different examples of wood frame pack: the “Stovall” and “Pace” Knapsacks (pg. 205 Echoes of Glory: CS), and 2 different Union examples that are unknown as to who owned them. The packs are all 15” X 13” X 4” and are complete with 3 blanket straps and the attachments for the American version of the British mess kit (the British models oil cloth carrier will attach to this bag). The frames are made of poplar for strength and durability, and are covered with my signature period recipe - hand painted enameled cloth. All the leather is securely tacked to the packs, as per the originals. The main bag is accessible via the back panel that is secured down either by 3 finials, as per the Stovall and Pace bags, or via 5/8” iron roller buckles (specify which you would like).
UNION
USK1 Early War State Issue AKA “Mexican War Style, Knapsack (1850-1862) - $240.00
This bag is mostly period machine sewn with machine-felled seams and a painted cloth welt. It is hand painted with correct period black paint. The main body of the bag measuring approx 12”X 12” with a 4 “ gusset, buttoning closed via a 3 hand button holed flap and tin buttons. The removable iron dyed leather harness is totally handsewn and carries the bag securely. It can be taken off the bag to be used as a blanket carrier. Entire bag and harness are 100% handsewn.
NEW!!! USK2 US Early War Government Double Bag P1853/55 Knapsack (1861-65) - $250.00
New to our line, this is a totally handsewn and flat felled knapsack made of linen or hemp canvas. It is painted with our period correct oil based paint. The leather is handsewn into place. Comes complete with blanket straps.
NEW!!! USK3 US Mid-Late War Double Bag P1853/55 Knapsack (1861-65) - $240.00
New to our line, this is a partially period machine sewn via the Pat 1851 rolling hook mechanism & is hand flat felled. The knapsack body is made of linen or hemp canvas. It is painted with our period correct oil based paint. The leather is hand sewn into place. Shoulder Straps have scalloped ends with covered studs, with the clothing bag ties riveted as per the originals. Comes complete with blanket straps. This Bag can also be hand sewn upon request.
CONFEDERATE
When the Confederacy started to produce knapsacks for its troops, it relied on the tried and true pre-war models that were easy to produce and get parts for. Most were of the old US Soft bag style, sometimes referred to as the Mexican War Type Knapsack. This basic pattern was easy to produce and is found in use in every theater of the war in some form or another.
CSK1 Confederate “Kibler” Knapsack, as used in the Army of Northern Virginia (1862-65) - $240.00
Most likely produced at Richmond (The Harness exhibits the tell tail signs of the “bullet” stitch found on the products made at Clarksville for the Depot), this version of the Mexican War Type Knapsack is made of REAL oil cloth covered canvas, with its removable harness of oiled leather. It resides in the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond and can be seen on page 202 of Echoes of Glory: CS. The main body flap closes with 3 bone buttons. The bag and its removable harness are totally handsewn.
CSK2 “Johnson” “Mexican War” Soft Knapsack. (1862-65) - $240.00
Johnson, who served in the 1st Virginia Artillery, was issued this pack. It is a classic example of a Confederate wartime copy of the old US pattern soft pack. I offer this pack, as per the origina,l with a body made of REAL oil cloth covered canvas, or painted with my period recipe oil paint. The bag comes with a handsewn removable iron dyed leather harness, as thought to have been on the original. This knapsack style is seen in all theaters of the war with minor variation. Entire bag and harness are 100% handsewn.
NEW!!! USCSKSS KNAPSACK & EQUIPMENT STENCILING SERVICE - $1.00 per letter/number OR call for more details
We are now offering
a stenciling service to our customers, whether you have it done on your bag ordered from us or a bag or equipment, box, etc. that you just want to have stenciled with your unit name, Soldiers #, Company Letter, etc. We use an ORIGINAL set of copper stencils that are either 1" Letters & Numbers or Italicized 1 1/2" Numbers using oil paint as per the originals.
CALL FOR MORE DETAILS.
