Was the 'post-war' signal haversack you observed constructed like the drawing pictured in figure "4" of page 117 of Brown? If so, it may have actually been a mid to late war issue item, and subsequently re-issued after the war.

The reason for me going out on a limb with regards to the my theory is that the image in Brown is taken directly from Plate XIX. opposite page 189 of A.J. Myer's 'Illustrated' 1868 Manual of Signals. Notice the fastening method used to hold down the flap strap to the body of the haversack. It is fashioned like the strap loop arrangement so common to the personal wallet and journals of the times. Now, I could be way off on this since the illustrations were made somewhere between war's end and the printing three years later. I have found that the reditions of signal equipments in the 1868 edition are a bit off in a few instances but not extremely so.

My guess is that we will find the answer to the leather haversack question as we sift through the correspondence between the US Signal Office and the J. Elliott Condict manufactury in No. 57 White Street, New York City. Condict made signal cartridge boxes for the Corps and more than likely filled orders for leather haversacks if requested during the War.

As a sidelight ~ might anyoof our readers have access to a war-time city directory of New York? I'd like to know if any advertisements (w/or/wo illustrations) were placed for the firms of Lilliendahl, Marston and Condict.

Yet another sidelight to your recent post about the OR Series 1, vol. 25 (Part1), pp. 235-237, report by Lt. Denicke dated May 7, 1863 on his actions during Chancellorsville in which he stated:

"Remarks: Lost haversack for signal equipments, containing shades, shears, wicking and funnel, while on the field of battle, by the breaking of the strap. It is my humble opinion that the black haversacks now in use are made of too weak material. I think leather would be a good
substitute."

...both of the Denicke boys may have survived into the twentieth century and are probably buried out in your neck of the woods (see Brown ~ p.757). Might there be a chance that you or someone in your detachment might research the death records in San Fran and Fresno to see what might be had on this account?

I haven't chimed in on your post of the 30th. ultimo about "Fabricating Signal Gear" but I mean to soon.

Best Regards,

Walt
5-5-5

• RE: Signal Haversack, Leather, With Carry-Sling, Attach'd, One Each - Ken Dombroski 01/04/2003 14:22:41 CST (1)