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WWI US ARMY HAVERSACK
A pre-cursor to the backpack. haversacks were used extensively during WWI. The item shown here is
typical to those issued to the front line soldiers. The one thing that is unusual about this haversack
is the color. The official army issued color was khaki.
After doing some research, apparently during the incursions into Mexico in the early 1900's, the Army experimented
with a variety of shades of green for the field equipment. It is possible that this is one of those experiments.
The haversack was designed to wrap around the wool blacket that was used for bedding by the troops. the pictures below show
how the back pocket was secured through the use of a button. This pouch would contain the eating utencils. The pictur next
to it shows a date of 1918.
Haversacks continued to be employed during WWII. The design did not change very much at all.
Straps were used to secure the haversack to the utility belt. One way to differentiate a WWI haversack from its WWII cousin is
to look at the rear strap. WWI equipment had a single strap where the later version had 2 (Y-shape).
Here is a comment from one of our visitors:
I have some info about the haversack under your WWI reference section. Your
haversack in the photos is a green color. It had been re-dyed green sometime
during WWII. The "Combat Serviceable" tag is from that time period. I'm not
sure what the last year green dye was used on the M1910 equipment. I think it
might be 1916. But haversacks made after 1916 were in the drab( Khaki) color.
Check out my WWI site.
http://hometown.aol.com/rtoartilleryfo/private/doughboys.html
It
has info on the M1910 haversacks and you will see pre 1916 dated haversacks
which are in the early olive green color.
PRICING GUIDE INFORMATION
The following is an estimated value. It may vary in every state and every country.
The year in which the estimated value was made is noted
Provided courtesy of MilitaryItems.com. The source for military antiques
and collectibles.
| Value (2007) | $125.00 |
| Availability (2007) | Medium |
While the item featured here is not for sale, similar items like it are available for
purchase in our website MilitaryItems.com
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