Cloth Straps for CS Knapsacks?

[Ken Myers]

I was looking through Echoes of Glory and noticed the cloth belts and cloth slings the Confederates were making for their equipment. I was going through the knapsacks, and wondered if any cloth slings were made for these.
Has anyone ever seen any examples of this type of construction? Has anyone ever come across any research? One would think with the shortage of leather in the south that painted cloth sling would be used in the construction of some of their knapsacks.
Just because none have surfaced todate, and knowing that hundreds of knapsacks did not survive the test of time, we might want to keep an open mind on this form of construction.
I would really be interested in finding some information on this subject.
Thank you,
Ken Myers

[LWhite64]

Re: Cloth Straps for CS Knapsacks?

Yes they were made, both painted and unpainted, but I have never seen an original.

Lee

[Ken Myers]

Re: Cloth Straps for CS Knapsacks?

Thank you for the reply.
Yours,
Ken Myers

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Cloth Straps for CS Knapsacks?

Page 202 of the CS "Echoes..." features a bag marked "A. Co./25 REG./SC". Painted cloth straps are plainly visible, however, I cannot tell if their function is for carriage or closure. I believe this bag was sold by the Horse Soldier sometime between 1999 and 2002.

[BrownBlanketMess]

Re: Cloth Straps for CS Knapsacks?

John,

The knapsack in question retains both the original closure straps and buckles. They are not for carriage purposes. Straps are of a tarred linen with floral pattern on the back.
Just a side note, the knapsack was captured by a soldier of the 76th New York Inf. at the Battle of Weldon Railroad.

Source: Horse Soldiers catalog #28.

Steve LaBarre
Brown Blanket Mess
Hodge Podge Mess
Cornfed Comrades
WIG