Mexican War haversack Material

[mdougher]

Hi,
I was about to attempt to make a Mexican War haversack, scallop front style, but wasn't sure what material to use. I have found a couple stating they are made out of Cotton Duck or drill, and others made out of linen. Which would be more correct, linen or cotton?

Thanks

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Re: Mexican War haversack Material

After communication with Fred Gaede, who has owned three at one time or another and had compiled a data sheet several years ago, he states that his were made from drilling. From researching for Seminole War concerns, I found that both linen and drill were on lists, and after further discussions/research due to the amounts on hand, I believe the linen was for knapsacks and the drill for haversacks. There is also a photograph of an original on Troiani's photobank site, and it conforms to all of the standards of Gaede's originals and data sheet. As to reproducing these haversacks, a purist may wish to find a thicker drill than what is commercially available at your common fabric stores. JoAnn's drill is adequate for shelter halves and such, but I think may be too thin to accurately replicate the haversack. I've continued to produce these haversacks from that same commercial drill only due to not being able to find any thicker. Joe Blunt made an excellent one for me several years ago that utilized a heavy twilled cotton that conformed much closer to the original.

[mdougher]

Re: Mexican War haversack Material

Awesome, thank you

[Murph]

Re: Mexican War haversack Material

There is a local fabric store that also sells upholstery and upholstery goods. They have scraps bins and sell, by the pound, whatever left over upholstery fabric they have that isn't large enough to sell by yardage. In one of those bins, I found some cotton drill used in upholstery, and it is a fair sum thicker than the commercially available stuff, and I find it makes a great haversack. I have ample amounts, and would be glad to send you some, given you were interested.

[mdougher]

Re: Mexican War haversack Material

Caleb,
Sent you a PM.

Thanks