(3) U.S. Army Merriam Backpacks

Lot description

(lot of 3) U.S. Army Merriam Backpacks: (1) Merriam Pack, c.1890s, the outer canvas flap marked "7th Regt., A, 7" (New York Militia), the interior retains the instruction sheet stamped "Insp. Genl. Dep. S.N.Y., Insp'd 1894), last patent date "1893," a steel frame shapes the rectangular canvas body that opens with four flaps, leather straps, two wood poles for supports (the instructions state the poles may be joined together for shelter support), numerous leather straps, some for attachment to service belt, canvas quite dirty and needs cleaning, (photo from N.P.S. of a soldier at Ft. Laramie, WY., the post commander being then Col. and later Brig. Genl. Henry C. Merriam (1837-1912), promoted to Major General in retirement. Inventor of the Merriam Pack. Awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the Civil War); (1) Merriam Pack, the outer canvas marked "74" over "224", the interior marked "Inspector General's Dept., N. (Y and S faded", Inspected 1898", soiling;  (1) Merriam Pack, the outer canvas marked "C" over "14", this pack is lacking the wood sticks (as per original instructions within the above first pack in this lot, these are easily replaced), the leather stick ends are present, soiled, for shipping largest approx. measure 27" x 13" x 2", total of all 13.60lbs   Provenance: Collection of T'Odon Charles (Chuck) Leshikar, Jr., (Texas,1946-2020), Vietnam, U.S. Army Lt. ,“Delta Raiders,” D Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, later Echo Company commander, Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, Soldiers Medal, Purple Heart. More information including the Silver Star citation see:  https://toddshistory.com/?cat=12