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.
|
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWI US military collectibles.
Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out
clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWI US item worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the collectibles is
reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of the American military artifacts in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality
military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
|
|
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.
This WWI US military collectible may be currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other WWI US military collectibles, you can do so by going
to our The History of the Military gear of WWI identification and price guide.
| 
