Rare Canvas Short's Patent Knapsack Identified to Famed 5th New Hampshire Regiment. This remarkable example of an early Jose...

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Rare Canvas Short's Patent Knapsack Identified to Famed 5th New Hampshire Regiment. This remarkable example of an early Joseph Short patent knapsack is constructed from heavy dyed canvas with no other glazing or finish. The overall condition is sound and all straps appear to be in place except for the wide shoulder straps. The pack is basically a deep brown color and has some minor spotting and fraying but is otherwise fine and flexible. On the exterior of the wide 19" x 21" flap is clearly stenciled "5th/ N.H.V./ B/ 98" in 1" tall white letters. Also stenciled in white on the lower outside corner is "Patent Applied For/JOSEPH SHORT/Boston." The interior has one large compartment in the rear and an additional smaller pocket below. Short received his patent for a knapsack harness system in December, 1862 so this specimen would have been manufactured previous to that. The 5th New Hampshire was formed in August, 1861 and served with distinction in the Army of the Potomac, having six color bearers shot down at Fredericksburg and losing its colonel while fiercely engaged at Gettysburg. In all, the unit participated in more than two dozen battles and lost nearly 300 men killed during its three-year term of service. A striking and very rare knapsack from one of the Union's most notable regiments.