Rigid Frame Knapsacks

[zrpittard]

Would it be authentic or acceptable to remove the wooden frame of the Confederate made rigid frame knapsack (the one based on a French design as seen worn by Pvt. Thomas Taylor of Louisiana)? I have recently acquired one and now begins again the struggle to pack it efficiently. It seems to me that if I remove the frame it would make things considerably better. Any help or advise from my authentic mentors would be greatly appreciated.

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Rigid Frame Knapsacks

You could go both ways on this. The "Hoffman Knapsack" is of the Isaac and Campbell design but from a Ross and Co. sub-contract, still had the frame in it when it was captured at Vicksburg, MS. Federal doublebags early war packs are more rarer, but some do have the frame. The Elgin Historical Society in NE Illinois has one. I think they also have an Isaac and Campbell without the frame as well.