Haversacks, Garters, Neckstocks

Haversacks - copied from a British original in the private collection of J.Craig Nannos, and made from unbleached Osnaburg linen, 16 ¾" wide by 13 ½" tall. Available as completely handsewn or in kit form. The kit contains pre-cut linen, linen thread, buttons (three ¾" pewter buttons on plain version or two ¾" brass buttons on British version), and instructions. Haversacks are very easy to make. The handsewn haversacks have everything complete, except attaching the buttons and sewing the buttonholes. British version with GR and Broad Arrow $45.00 handsewn or $15.00 kit. Plain version $42.00 handsewn or $12.00 kit.

Cuthbertson writes (pg.85, XLIV), "...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..."

For pictures of the original British haversack click the GR and Broad Arrow.

Wallet Kit - based on an original in the Sebastian Goundie House at Historic Bethlehem, PA. Wallets were rectangular linen bags used by the military as a type of knapsack. The soldiers necessarys were placed into the wallet, and then the wallet was rolled up inside the soldiers blanket which was to be slung on his back. My kit of Osnaburg linen fabric, linen thread, and instructions, will make 18" x 24" wallet. $9.00

The Orderly Book of the 40th Foot in May 1777 mentions wallets several times. Among the orders are: The Necessarys to be carried in their Wallet and slung over the Right Shoulder... Each Compy will immediately receive from the Qr. Mr. Serjt 26 Slings & Wallets to put the quantity of Necesareys Intendd. to be Carrid. to the field Viz 2 shirts 1 pr of shoes & soles 1 pr of stockings 1 pr of socks shoe Brushes, black ball &c Exclusive of the Necessareys they may have on (the[y] must be packd. in the Aranged manner & the Blankts. done neatly round very little longer than the Wallets) to be Tyed. very close with the slings and near the end ... The Non Commissd Offrs and Men to have their Necessareys Constantly packd in their Wallets ready to sling in their Blanketts which they are to parade with Every morning at troop beating to Acustom them to do it with Readiness and Dispatch ... Each Company to give in a Return to the Quarr Masr of the Number of Wallets & Slings wanting to compleat each Man as the whole must have them to appear uniform in the slinging on & Carrying their Blankets & Necessarys -- Any of the Wallets or Slings not properly made to be returned to the Masr Taylor --

Wallets were also used by civilians to carry belongings, much as a fabric shopping bags is used today, but not having any handles the wallet was draped over arm.

Garters - black leather with solid brass, flat buckle. 5/8" or 3/4" wide $5.00/pr. 1" wide $6.00/pr. Please specify upper calf measurement (measure just below your knee) while wearing 18th C. clothing.

Cuthbertson writes (pg.114, XVIII)"...black leather garters, buckled below the knee, ... the breadth of these garters should be about an inch". Please note that the buckles used are not authentic reproductions but they are very close in appearance to the small, simple buckles found on many Rev War sites and seen in Loutherburg's rear view of the 69th Foot grenadier at Warley Camp.

Neckstocks - Please specify neck measurement (your dress shirt neck size).

Leather with cotton ties $5.00 (add $14.00 for brass clasps)

Horsehair with cotton ties $25.00 (add $14.00 for brass clasps). The horsehair sleeve is approx 13" long which slides over a longer black leather strap.

Horsehair with scarlet edging $30.00 (add $14.00 for brass clasps)

Cuthbertson writes (pg.81, XXXV), "Black stocks...have a more soldierly appearance than white ones....one of horse-hair for common use...edge them with scarlet cloth: the ends for the clasps to fix in, are best of leather...". From the Public Records Office, Treasury Papers T1/531, "Camp Equipage & Other Necessaries for the Campaign 1778 ...20,000 Black Hair Stocks, lined ...."