Haversack with Buttons

Made in the USA   This handsewn haversack is copied from an original c. 1770s British haversack formerly in the private collection of J. Craig Nannos. This is made from oatmeal linen (WLG 102), with 35/2 unbleached linen thread for sewing the body, 16/2 unbleached linen thread for sewing buttonholes, & the body is 16 ¾” (42.5 cm.) wide by 13 ½” (34.3 cm.) tall. Unlike the original, this haversack lacks the British broad arrow, JR & has 3 pewter instead of 2 brass buttons. It appears the buttons on the British sack may have been added later since the shoulder strap is sewn through to the flap which results in no need for buttons. Regardless, there’s no evidence American haversacks, during the American Revolution had buttons. Despite this, most recreated units have buttons on their haversacks. Please check with your unit to see what they recommend. This haversack is described in great detail by Roy Najecki & it is with great thanks Roy has inspected this reproduction & gave it the nod of approval. The shoulder strap on the original haversack, excluding the 3″ (7.6 cm.) sewn to the sack, is 34″ (86.4 cm) long which fits most people. When worn correctly the bottom of the haversack should be about level with your wrist. For a 1776 description “a Soldier cannot conveniently get through the Duties of a Campaign, without a Haversack of strong, coarse, grey linen (which is always issued as part of the Camp-equipage) to carry his bread and provisions on a March” Cuthbertson wrote on page 85 in item XLIV.