Objects Database

Military Pack 1903 Pattern

Accession Number

1168.2014.1

Object Name

Military Pack 1903 Pattern

Created

04/11/2014

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

04/11/2014

Brief Description

Khaki canvas satchel with metal clasps and a shoulder strap.

Materials

canvas

Dimensions

36(l) x 11(d) x 33(w) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

On back of pack "RAF 353967 (?) 23"

Colour

Khaki

Provenance

In a world of Gucci gear shops, sporting rows and rows of rucksacks, it's hard to imagine that just a few decades ago it was almost impossible to get one; and whatever was available came at a price way beyond the average hillgoer, camper and mountaineer.
Lots of folk went to the hill wearing all the clothes they had with any extras in their pockets. If someone had a rucksack it would probably be loaned, homemade or ex-army.
Armies of the world have been kitting out their troops with marching outfits since time began and when folk started to venture into the outdoors for fun in the 1800's, military gear was ideally suited for the purpose and the ex-army store became the outdoor gear shop of the times.
The army produced a new set of Marching Order in 1903 which, unsurprisingly, was known as Pattern 1903, and amidst all the belts, ammo pouches and water bottles there was a 'large pack' which is what we have here in the collection.
Designed for carrying a greatcoat, mess tins and a soldier's personal effects, they were ideal for the camper, walker and mountaineer; thousands of them were sold off after World War I.
We assume M.E.Co.1918 refers to the maker, though we are not sure what the initials stand for. We are also not sure where this one came from either, but we're delighted to have this little piece of mountain militaria in our collection.

Acquisition Date

04/11/2014

Condition Check Date

04/11/2014

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

04/11/2014

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