Overcoats

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Overcoats

I have always slipped a stick through that loop to help support my blanket or overcoat.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Overcoats

I have always slipped a stick through that loop to help support my blanket or overcoat.

Robert, in the same manner or function as the bar on an Issacs & Campbell knapsack?

[CompanyWag]

Re: Overcoats

Now I'm wondering if Kloster was referring to the 54th Massachusetts monument...obviously NOT in NYC. Take a look at this closeup view. This looks like a rod inserted under the straps much like Robert describes. Perhaps a closer view from a high angle might show if this is engaged somehow into the little loop.

I'm bringing my greatcoat to Shiloh. Warren, if you have problems securing one, let me know. I might have an extra.

Paul McKee

[dixieflyer]

Re: Overcoats

Paul, our old pard Baird is going to try and come to my rescue on this. If not, I may have to call on you. Thanks ol' pard!

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Overcoats

Here's a big shot of the 54th Monument.
DSC05116..JPG

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Overcoats

Exactly like on a British pack. Those not familiar with the Trotter style pack, there is an integral piece of ewe wood in the suspension system. I have found getting your pack up and square on your shoulders makes all the difference in the world. We have all heard "hike up your traps", well that goes for your knapsack too.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Overcoats

OK, call me crazy, but could those 'sticks" portrayed underneath the blankets/overcoats on those double-bags be meant to represent the issue, two-piece tent pole for the shelter half?
Do the early/pre-war iterations of the double-bag knapsack have the "locker loop" between the shoulder straps, or is this a unique feature of the later versions?

Just trying out possible explanations pards.

[Huck]

Re: Overcoats

I would say they are not shelter half poles,
One the numbers of pole produced during the war compared to shelter halves
Two the lenght of the poles compared to the width across the shoulder of a double bag
Three in any formation, line or in fours, poles across your shoulders would be smacking your pards in the head.

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Overcoats

Here is a photo of my English pack to show what Warren and I were talking about.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Overcoats

Thanks Huck, I've never seen originals nor researched the number produced or their lengths, but it was just a thought. I know in other armies from other periods that multi-piece poles were designed to fit onto packs in such a manner, and it was possible that the artist might have been using some license in his recreation.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Overcoats

Let me know if you agree:
I think that these small poles are under the overcoat straps and the shoulder straps are run up under/behind the pole. I would guess this would be to accomplish the same purpose as running shoulder straps under the overcoat straps, themselves.

Curious of others are seeing the same thing... kinda hard to tell looking at bronze statues.
;)

[CompanyWag]

Re: Overcoats

Thanks John,

At the risk of hijacking this thread just a little bit, I have uncovered some more information correcting my hazy memory.

It was in the Spring 1957 issue of Military Collector and Historian (no, I'm not THAT old), and the author was the illustrator H. Charles MacBarron (not Don Kloster) and it was indeed the 54th Massachusetts monument he was commenting on.

Paul McKee

There is some question as to how the blanket was made to sit close to the shoulders. About 1930 1 showed the knapsack to a few GAR veterans at their headquarters in the Chicago Public Library. They recognized it but as was to be expected were hazy as to details after 65 years. One thought there was something under the blanket that fastened into the loop sewed between the shoulder slings. I was also informed that a wooden frame, fitted but not fastened to the front compartment, was issued with the knapsacks, but that most of the men immediately removed them and threw them away... St. Gauden's sculpture for the Shaw Memorial in Boston may possibly give a partial solution to the problem.... On close examination the blankets show what appears to the be the ends of portmanteau strap handles below the blanket where it rests on the knapsack.... The shoulder slings are simply passed through the handle and over the shoulders, compelling the blanket to ride snug and secure to the back.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Overcoats

Simply Awesome, Paul!

[Huck]

Re: Overcoats

Warren, anything is possible.