Shockoe Hill Cats
09-27-2007, 12:47 PM
I had a question I've been meaning to ask for some time now. It surfaced in the previous discussion thread but I figured a separate post would be more appropriate:
It's my understanding that some Zouaves were issued
unpainted knapsacks. I have heard in the past that Ellsworth's N.Y. Fire Zouaves, most specifically, were issued such items (along with unpainted haversacks; though I have never been able to evidence this).
No disrespect Mr. O'Keefe, but I was under the impression that the Zouaves had a completely different model (or models). One that can be seen in five documentations (see attachments). I particularly want to know what kind No. 3 & 5 are:
No. 1 & 2 -- Two drawings by Thos. Nast of the 1st Fire Zouaves. Note that in the first attachment, there is no apparent chest strap. Also, that the back overlapping straps do not cross over each other but remain strictly vertical.
No. 3 -- The imfamous photograph of Francis E. Brownell ,"Ellsworth's Avenger." His "soft knapsack" does have the chest strap. The material appears to be made of tarred canvas. See how shiny it is?
No. 4 -- Drawing by Alfred Waud in '61 of the 1st Fire Zouaves. The knapsack portrayed here looks to be the same hardpack as in No. 1/2. Two interesting parts are the bedroll on top and what looks to be some sort of mess tin secured between the two back straps?
No. 5 -- Finally, a soldier sportin' what I think is the same model knapsack that Brownell has. This photograph was taken at Petersburg, Va. (LC-DIG-cwpb-01229). Seen is the chest strap and oilcloth material.
So, what do ya think? What model is No. 3 & 5?
It's my understanding that some Zouaves were issued
unpainted knapsacks. I have heard in the past that Ellsworth's N.Y. Fire Zouaves, most specifically, were issued such items (along with unpainted haversacks; though I have never been able to evidence this).
No disrespect Mr. O'Keefe, but I was under the impression that the Zouaves had a completely different model (or models). One that can be seen in five documentations (see attachments). I particularly want to know what kind No. 3 & 5 are:
No. 1 & 2 -- Two drawings by Thos. Nast of the 1st Fire Zouaves. Note that in the first attachment, there is no apparent chest strap. Also, that the back overlapping straps do not cross over each other but remain strictly vertical.
No. 3 -- The imfamous photograph of Francis E. Brownell ,"Ellsworth's Avenger." His "soft knapsack" does have the chest strap. The material appears to be made of tarred canvas. See how shiny it is?
No. 4 -- Drawing by Alfred Waud in '61 of the 1st Fire Zouaves. The knapsack portrayed here looks to be the same hardpack as in No. 1/2. Two interesting parts are the bedroll on top and what looks to be some sort of mess tin secured between the two back straps?
No. 5 -- Finally, a soldier sportin' what I think is the same model knapsack that Brownell has. This photograph was taken at Petersburg, Va. (LC-DIG-cwpb-01229). Seen is the chest strap and oilcloth material.
So, what do ya think? What model is No. 3 & 5?