21st Ohio Knapsacks

[ironbrigade6]

Can anyone tell me what kind of knapsacks the soldiers in the EOG photograph on page 47 are wearing? They are soldiers from the 21st Ohio with their Colt revolving rifles. The one on the far side seems to be wearing a double bag and an officers style haversack. But the two soldiers next to him have buckle style cross straps as opposed to the typical double bag style. So could this be a modification on a double bag, a contract style, or some different type of knapsack all together. I appologize for not having the image attached, Im having problems with my computer.

thank you so much for all of your help!

[packrat]

Re: 21st Ohio Knapsacks

Judging by the actual width of the top straps they are for sure not Double bags, and notice the use of brass "Buttons" to attatch the chest straps themseves, possibly a still in use Malitia pack, there are at least three adjustment holes visable, its all speculation by myself and crew .Can't remember if the Shorts Patent pack used this system, I think they have a narrow top strap, someone else will have to varify that point... just my two cents..... YHS Paul Lopes ACWKnapsacks

[JimConley]

Re: 21st Ohio Knapsacks

Jonathan,
I have seen original knapsacks identified to Western Federal troops (one specifically identified to a member of the 105th Ohio who parted from the ranks just prior to Perryville) that certainly deviate from what we may consider common Federal equipment, and by no means conform to the basic 1855 pattern knapsack. To be honest, they appeared to be varinats on patterns from the Mexican War period and were perhaps limited to soldiers in the Ohio, Indiana, Illinois region. Forgive me because I do not have the measurements/specifics available, but if I am not mistaken, the one identified to 105th Ohio was a single bag knapsack with very narrow shoulder straps (we're talking maybe 1 inch...hurts to think about) made of linen.

I would suggest contacting Joe Hill here on the boards (you can find his profile through my friends list since he has not posted anything yet/does not show up on the member's list). He was able to study both of the knapsacks I mentioned for an extended amount of time on loan from a private collection. I do wish that I could recall more, but Joe should have no issue answering your questions.

And, yes, you heard it correctly, there is an original knapsack that we can document was carried by the 105th Ohio on the 1862 Kentucky Campaign and at Perryville. Trust me, I have been itching for the reproduction since Joe located it, but it is quite a process. Hopefully sooner than later, the project will get off the ground, but it requires a joint effort between two vendors and a lot of resources to pool before it can get started.