Very Rare – Original Civil War Union Haversack with shoulder strap (SOLD,BH)

This is another rare piece being offered, it is a Federal issue tarred canvas haversack, used by Union soldiers during the Civil War. They were made of thin tarred canvas with an integral flap that was held down by a single strap and buckle (as with many of the surviving examples, the strap remains but the buckle is gone, easily replaced if desired).

The complete shoulder strap, usually missing, remains, but has separated from the bag. It has been crudely reattached, but I imagine it could be sewn on if desired. It is made of the same material as the bag. Three tin buttons are sewn to the inside of the main bag (all remaining) for use securing the inner white canvas or bread bag. The small inner bags never survived, the result of carrying food, and deteriorated after a few months of being used.

Haversacks carried most of the soldiers daily needs; hardtack, meats, tobacco, some personal items such as shaving, sewing, and writing materials, etc. When I started collecting back in the 1980s, it took me several years to find a haversack, and when I did it was missing the shoulder strap. In my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I go into more detail on them and have some pictured (see pictures). They are also in Time/Life “Arms and Equipment of the Union” and in “Fighting Men of the Civil War”, by Davis (see pictures).

For a haversack, I would rate this one in good condition for its age. It was in storage since 1965, verified by an old newspaper inside from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There are the typical splits and separations, but nothing too serious.  Some I came across over the years were literally falling apart. This one is relatively complete and an excellent example for display