Oliver Pattern Haversack

The Oliver Pattern haversack is part of a long history of army cloth bags worn to the side. It was made of white cotton, later dyed on the way to South Africa with a mixture that included coffee. It containes two internal pockets and a liner that buttons in. Note the Canadian "C" arrow.

The cloth used in construction was also used to form the strap and all the other loops and devices that were incorporated. Most particularly the cloth was woven to 28" which was used to advantage in the sewing by the placement of the selvedge along the inner hems and at either end of the side/bottom panel. The 28" panel tapers from 1" at the top to 3" across the bottom. Two "O" rings sewn in with the belt loops may have been put there so the haversack could replace the valise.

The shoulder strap connects to the left side by doubling back through a cloth loop sewn at the strap end. The stap itself is a tube of the cloth. At the right end it passes round the friction buckle's centre bar and buttons back on itself. It is all clever but complex at the same time. I don't presume Dr. Oliver invented all these details, but someone has put intriguing thought and effort into the construction design.

I have been fortunate to have had two haversacks to scrutinize. This photograph showing the strapping is one I made for myself. It is full of information if one can make it out. All the construction is shown here. Even the raw edges are correct. Sadly my choice of cloth is poor, (men's size 52" waist trousers from a second hand store), so for a cloth reference look at the other photos of an original Oliver Pattern haversack.

These other photos show an Oliver haversack that was converted to the 1915 pattern, the strap being removed and replaced with two leather tabs.

The sewing has a kind of rough competence about it. The curved flap, which evokes the ammunition pouch curve, is a devil to sew neatly. 

What I most like is the Spirograph-like pattern on the buttons. ( For reference this button is 5/8" across). This design is pressed into sheet brass which is then bent around a cast iron button. What a beautiful touch. A button on the back allows for an empty haversack to be rolled up like a sausage and to be held in place by the front flap buttoned onto the back button. This can be seen in the photo below. Look back at the last post to see the haversack in its full glory.

As a last photo I include a back view showing the 1915 tabs cut short and my leather piece put in to show their original size and shape. These would allow the haversack to be buckled directly to a belt. This photo also shows the back button and the stitching line of the two internal pockets. I would be curious to know whether this blog has given readers sufficient information for them to make their own haversacks. I have sent measurements, mock-ups, and photographs to Ashok. I look forward to seeing his reproduction in the future. I will post a picture when this happens.