Early War Knapsack, Double Bag Knapsack, Knapsack Frame, Replacement Parts & Repair
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No, We Do Not Use Period Paint Recipes
YES! We use a latex base coating on all our knapsacks and haversacks. Missouri Boot & Shoe Company made a conscious decision not to use period paint due to fire and health hazards both to our ourselves and to our customers. Boiled Linseed Oil is a main ingredient in “period paint recipes.” It contains lead, arsenic, beryllium, chromium, cadmium and nickel. These elements are toxins, carcinogens and teratogens. Material treated with boiled linseed oil can spontaneously combust into flame even after it is dry. Learn more about hazards of period paint. |
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Early War Knapsacks, Double Bag Knapsacks, Knapsack Frames, Replacement Parts & Repair. We Offer It All
Close up of blanket roll strap
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Federal Knapsacks
Our Federal Knapsacks are faithful reproductions of original knapsacks. Years of research and study of many original examples have gone into perfecting our historically correct reproductions. The hardware is faithfully reproduced in correct wire gauge and finish. We do not use poorly made mass produced hardware. The cloth bags are made from imported linen canvas with correct hand flat-felled seams and painted after construction for better waterproofing.
We use only top grade leather sewn with waxed linen thread for our straps and blanket rolls. We don't try to fool you by pricing our bag lower by leaving necessary things off and then making you buy them separately. Our bags come complete .
We use only top grade leather sewn with waxed linen thread for our straps and blanket rolls. We don't try to fool you by pricing our bag lower by leaving necessary things off and then making you buy them separately. Our bags come complete .
Early War Double Bag Knapsack
Available With Or Without Frame
Available With Or Without Frame
The early war double bag knapsack bears a superficial resemblance to the U. S. government double bag. These were probably produced for issue by various state authorities until the federal government could begin supplying knapsacks. We are pleased to offer this early design correctly machine sewn of cotton oil cloth. Based upon the original in our collection, it contains all the features common to the knapsacks in use before 1862.
Each seam is welted with a folded piece of oil cloth, machine sewn and then hand serged like the original. Edges are folded and machine top stitched. All leather strapping is sewn into place per our original specimen with one of our original 19th century chain stitch machines. The shoulder straps are cut square, and the riveted brass studs are left exposed. All the buckles and hooks are direct copies of originals. This knapsack has a smaller V-pocket than the later design. It closes with cotton herringbone twill tape ties. The knapsack comes with two overcoat straps. It was sometimes used with a wooden frame inside the knapsack. For those who wish to have a frame we make and sell a frame that fits inside our Early War Double Bag Knapsacks.
Each seam is welted with a folded piece of oil cloth, machine sewn and then hand serged like the original. Edges are folded and machine top stitched. All leather strapping is sewn into place per our original specimen with one of our original 19th century chain stitch machines. The shoulder straps are cut square, and the riveted brass studs are left exposed. All the buckles and hooks are direct copies of originals. This knapsack has a smaller V-pocket than the later design. It closes with cotton herringbone twill tape ties. The knapsack comes with two overcoat straps. It was sometimes used with a wooden frame inside the knapsack. For those who wish to have a frame we make and sell a frame that fits inside our Early War Double Bag Knapsacks.
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So, why is there an "Early War" Double Bag Knapsack? The issuance and use of these non-standard packs, (often seen with wooden frames) is likely the result of state contract and issue. Apparently their use was fairly common in the early months of the war, gradually being phased out. An article from the New York Sun, reprinted in the February 1, 1862 Scientific American (page 67) discloses that 200,000 contract knapsacks were delivered in January 1862 alone and in the eight months previous 700,000 were delivered. Contract prices averaged $2.00 per knapsack. The major centers of production were New York City, New York, (Which produced more than half the total number produced.) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Newark, New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware. |
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Double Bag Knapsack aka "Mr. Knapsack"
This is our absolutely historically correct copy of the war-time issue double bag knapsack . Made from imported linen canvas with correct hand flat-felled seams and painted after construction for better waterproofing.
The V-pocket closes with buckskin ties. The leather shoulder straps have correctly scalloped ends, and the brass studs are covered with leather washers to prevent scratching the stock of the musket. If you have ever inspected the interior of one of these original knapsacks, you will remember the profusion of black linen thread that was used to chain stitch all the straps in place.
You will see this reproduced in wonderful detail in our reproduction because it is not clumsily imitated by hand but, actually sewn on an original machine. All our hardware is faithfully reproduced in correct wire gauge and finish. Our bags can provide the owner with years of service if properly cared for.
Below the photos of the new Double Bag Knapsack you can view photos of one of our bags that is over 35 years old that we repaired a few years ago for the owner. It is STILL being used to this day by its original buyer.
We don't try to fool you by pricing our bag lower by leaving necessary things off and making you buy them separately. The knapsack comes complete with Blanket Roll straps and J-Hooks and is ready to use right out of the box.
Double Bag Knapsack
aka "Mr. Knapsack"
This is our absolutely historically correct copy of the war-time issue double bag knapsack . Made from imported linen canvas with correct hand flat-felled seams and painted after construction for better waterproofing.
The V-pocket closes with buckskin ties. The leather shoulder straps have correctly scalloped ends, and the brass studs are covered with leather washers to prevent scratching the stock of the musket. If you have ever inspected the interior of one of these original knapsacks, you will remember the profusion of black linen thread that was used to chain stitch all the straps in place.
You will see this reproduced in wonderful detail in our reproduction because it is not clumsily imitated by hand but, actually sewn on an original machine. All our hardware is faithfully reproduced in correct wire gauge and finish. Our bags can provide the owner with years of service if properly cared for.
Below the photos of the new Double Bag Knapsack you can view photos of one of our bags that is over 35 years old that we repaired a few years ago for the owner. It is STILL being used to this day by its original buyer.
We don't try to fool you by pricing our bag lower by leaving necessary things off and making you buy them separately.
Our bags come complete with Blanket Roll Straps and J-Hooks. They come to you fully complete and ready to take out of the box, load and take into the field.
This is our absolutely historically correct copy of the war-time issue double bag knapsack . Made from imported linen canvas with correct hand flat-felled seams and painted after construction for better waterproofing.
The V-pocket closes with buckskin ties. The leather shoulder straps have correctly scalloped ends, and the brass studs are covered with leather washers to prevent scratching the stock of the musket. If you have ever inspected the interior of one of these original knapsacks, you will remember the profusion of black linen thread that was used to chain stitch all the straps in place.
You will see this reproduced in wonderful detail in our reproduction because it is not clumsily imitated by hand but, actually sewn on an original machine. All our hardware is faithfully reproduced in correct wire gauge and finish. Our bags can provide the owner with years of service if properly cared for.
Below the photos of the new Double Bag Knapsack you can view photos of one of our bags that is over 35 years old that we repaired a few years ago for the owner. It is STILL being used to this day by its original buyer.
We don't try to fool you by pricing our bag lower by leaving necessary things off and making you buy them separately. The knapsack comes complete with Blanket Roll straps and J-Hooks and is ready to use right out of the box.
Double Bag Knapsack
aka "Mr. Knapsack"
This is our absolutely historically correct copy of the war-time issue double bag knapsack . Made from imported linen canvas with correct hand flat-felled seams and painted after construction for better waterproofing.
The V-pocket closes with buckskin ties. The leather shoulder straps have correctly scalloped ends, and the brass studs are covered with leather washers to prevent scratching the stock of the musket. If you have ever inspected the interior of one of these original knapsacks, you will remember the profusion of black linen thread that was used to chain stitch all the straps in place.
You will see this reproduced in wonderful detail in our reproduction because it is not clumsily imitated by hand but, actually sewn on an original machine. All our hardware is faithfully reproduced in correct wire gauge and finish. Our bags can provide the owner with years of service if properly cared for.
Below the photos of the new Double Bag Knapsack you can view photos of one of our bags that is over 35 years old that we repaired a few years ago for the owner. It is STILL being used to this day by its original buyer.
We don't try to fool you by pricing our bag lower by leaving necessary things off and making you buy them separately.
Our bags come complete with Blanket Roll Straps and J-Hooks. They come to you fully complete and ready to take out of the box, load and take into the field.
Double Bag Knapsack aka "Mr. Knapsack"*
*No you won't see the term Mr. Knapsack in your history books. The owner of the 35 plus year old knapsack shown on this page is responsible for that name. He would call over the years and tell us "Mr. Knapsack" needed some repair work or replacement parts. The name caught on with others and customers begin calling and asking to buy a "Mr.Knapsack" Double Bag. So we marked the bag in our old paper catalogs as Double Bag Knapsack aka "Mr. Knapsack". This helped customers find the bag they had heard of and wanted. Today customers will still inquire about buying a "Mr. Knapsack".
*No you won't see the term Mr. Knapsack in your history books. The owner of the 35 plus year old knapsack shown on this page is responsible for that name. He would call over the years and tell us "Mr. Knapsack" needed some repair work or replacement parts. The name caught on with others and customers begin calling and asking to buy a "Mr.Knapsack" Double Bag. So we marked the bag in our old paper catalogs as Double Bag Knapsack aka "Mr. Knapsack". This helped customers find the bag they had heard of and wanted. Today customers will still inquire about buying a "Mr. Knapsack".
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This is Mr. Knapsack the way the Double Bag looked the day it came in for repairs after over 35 years of heavy use in the field. Repairs were made and missing or loose hardware replaced.
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This is Mr. Knapsack ready to go out again. It was not re-coated at the owner's request to maintain it's long campaign look. It is still in the field today.
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Please contact us before sending in your knapsack for cost and shipping instructions.
Knapsack Repair
If you only have parts that have been lost or gone missing that you can install yourself they are available for purchase below.
If your bag has suffered damage that will require professional repair we suggest you e-mail photos to us of your bag before sending it in for repair work. This way we can better determine if it is repairable and give you an estimate of the cost.
Do Not Send Knapsacks for Repair Before Contacting Us.
Knapsack Replacement Parts
All our replacement parts are made by hand of top grade materials and are the exact same parts as we use on our own products. Order extra straps and hooks for your gear or order replacements for lost or damaged parts on your equipment. A great way to get extra mileage out of your investment in your equipment. See our Knapsack & Haversack Page for Replacement Parts.
If you only have parts that have been lost or gone missing that you can install yourself they are available for purchase below.
If your bag has suffered damage that will require professional repair we suggest you e-mail photos to us of your bag before sending it in for repair work. This way we can better determine if it is repairable and give you an estimate of the cost.
Do Not Send Knapsacks for Repair Before Contacting Us.
Knapsack Replacement Parts
All our replacement parts are made by hand of top grade materials and are the exact same parts as we use on our own products. Order extra straps and hooks for your gear or order replacements for lost or damaged parts on your equipment. A great way to get extra mileage out of your investment in your equipment. See our Knapsack & Haversack Page for Replacement Parts.