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Militia knapsack, about 1795. (knapsack)
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Militia knapsack, about 1795. (knapsack)
5929184 Militia knapsack, about 1795. (knapsack) by English School, (18th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Militia knapsack, about 1795.
A knapsack was among the 60-odd pounds of equipment carried by soldiers at this time. It was in these sacks, tied with leather straps, that the men carried their kit. This included items such as shirts, spare shoes, stockings, brushes, a button stick, comb, pen, ink, black ball, pipe clay, and tent pegs.
The design of this piece of equipment changed over time. Until the introduction of the famous A TrotterA black lacquered knapsack, designed by Thomas Trotter of Soho Square in 1805, troops carried a canvas version on their backs, supported by straps (from 1790 to 1805). This canvas type was still worn by militia men who had joined line regiments in the 1815 campaigns.
As in this example, the number of the regiment or volunteer unit to which the wearer belonged was inscribed on the front flap of the knapsack. This one has a badge on a red background including the cypher of George III, crown and thistles, encircled by the name of the 10th Regiment North Bristol Militia.); eNational Army Museum; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22562556
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Badge Insignia Infantry Thistle
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a Militia knapsack dating back to around 1795. During this time, soldiers carried an extensive load of equipment weighing over 60 pounds, and the knapsack played a crucial role in carrying their belongings. Constructed with sturdy leather straps, these sacks held essential items such as spare shoes, shirts, stockings, brushes, a button stick, comb, pen and ink set, black ball for polishing boots, pipe clay for cleaning uniforms and tent pegs. The design of the knapsack evolved over time. Prior to the introduction of Thomas Trotter's famous black lacquered version in 1805 known as "A Trotter" troops relied on canvas knapsacks supported by straps from 1790 to 1805. Even after the introduction of A Trotter's design, militia men who had joined line regiments during the campaigns of 1815 still utilized the canvas type. In this particular example captured in the print at hand is a distinctive feature: an inscription on the front flap indicating that it belonged to the esteemed 10th Regiment North Bristol Militia. The badge displayed prominently against a red background includes George III's cypher along with symbols representing thistles and crown. This remarkable image not only offers us insight into historical military equipment but also serves as a testament to soldiers' dedication and preparedness during this era.
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