Illinois Infantryman's Knapsack, of unusual design. Made of the standard tarred cotton, this knapsack is in excellent condit...

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Illinois Infantryman's Knapsack, of unusual design. Made of the standard tarred cotton, this knapsack is in excellent condition and very pliable. Construction resembles the knapsack attributed to the Second Pennsylvania Vols. found elsewhere in this sale, with a single large interior bag and inside flaps that fold to accommodate larger items such as a blanket or overcoat. Detachable heavy leather straps with large roller buckles for adjustment pass through loops of tarred canvas sewn to the back, with two straps fastening over the front to close the pack and two extending from the rear for carrying. Overall condition is excellent. Inside the large interior flap is boldly written in black "W. H. Bently/Co. B 118/ills vols." Private William H. Bentley enlisted in this regiment in August, 1862 and was discharged for disability in February, 1863 after fighting at Chickasaw Bluffs and Arkansas Post. A very nicely identified and quite unusual pack in superlative condition.