Western Confederate Knapsacks

[Noah1997]

What would have been the most common knapsack in Trans-Mississippi units?

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

Safe bet would be a CS copy of a Mexican war pack, or a P1856 British knapsack. If I am not mistaken Ross and Collie received the only contracts for packs imported into Texas, their packs differ slightly from your standard Isaac Campbell and Company pack.

 

[rhettbutler1865]

"Say again?"---That could easily have been someone trying to explain my camera to me.

 

[Grayrock Volunteer]

Confederate ordinance officers generally opted to produce older US accoutrements rather than the M1861 or M1855/57 series. Most domestic Confederate knapsacks have many features in common with US knapsacks of the Mexican War period, sometimes referred to as the M1825 knapsack. Although most Federal era knapsacks were roughly 12 by 12 by 4, CS knapsacks are sometimes slightly longer. Another difference is the use of russet, or non-dyed oiled and kitted leather straps as opposed to black iron dyed Federal variety straps. Sometimes CS knapsack bags are not painted on the portion of the bag that lies under the flap. If I was to purchase a Mexican War style knapsack for CS usage I would get a pre-war Federal pack with the black straps, etc, as they are more versatile and can be appropriately used for pre-war US Regular Impressions from the 1830's to the outbreak of the war, as well as early war Federal Volunteer units.

The British P1856 pack is an improvement of the P1854 that incorporates a stick and leather Y strap harness system as well as an interior wooden frame. The biggest identifying features of these are the suspension stick, and a bag flap that sits against the wearers back. They are also designed for a meat tin to be worn in an oil cloth cover attached to the top of the bag. These were heavily imported after 1862, and saw service in all CS armies. As previously stated, the firm of Ross and Collie received the only contract for packs landed through Texas. Their packs are nearly identical to the Isaac Campbell and Company packs that most people reproduce, with the main difference being that the Collie packs have white buff interior straps while the IC&C packs have iron dyed straps both inside and out.

As an owner of both types, as well as a Federal M1855 and a militia style hardpack I can say that the P1856 carries the best of all 4.

Cheers,
Garrett