US Victory Museum Posted March 31, 2010 Share #1 Posted March 31, 2010 I own these two pattern 1912 cavalry ration bags. It would be more accurate to describe them as Great War era medic's bags, since that's what they were used for at that time. The olive colored one on the right is mfg by RIA (Rock Island Arsenal), and is dated 1917; it appears unused and is complete in that it has the detachable stay straps that somehow always get separated from these packs. The one on the left is dated Nov. 1918 (Post war - c'mon 11 days!) It's missing the stays (2 pair). My question isn't about the bags, but the dates of the bags that people have in their collections, or have seen in circulation at shows, or for sale anywhere. I watch for these bags on Ebay. If the price is right, I'd gladly buy a complete bag to replace the one on the left; however, what I'm really looking for is a bag that pre-dates the American involvement in the Great War (1917-1918). I've seen (and own) pattern 1910 haversacks from 1911-1916, but I have never seen a pattern 1912 ration bag that pre-dates 1917. Have any of you? I consider these bags uncommon, but not scarce; they're certainly not rare. I'm starting to believe that early dated samples are between scarce and rare. If you have an early dated specimen, then post a picture. If you don't, then post a picture anyway and tell me whether you've seen one elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
US Victory Museum Posted March 31, 2010 Author Share #2 Posted March 31, 2010 back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
US Victory Museum Posted March 31, 2010 Author Share #3 Posted March 31, 2010 Date End of post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keystone Posted March 31, 2010 Share #4 Posted March 31, 2010 I have seen them with the flat tipped strap ends so I assume those examples were made prior to 1916. You are right though, I don't ever recall seeing the dates. Here is my 1917 dated pack complete with the "enameled" bacon bag. The leather straps have never been untied!! Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Romantic Posted April 1, 2010 Share #5 Posted April 1, 2010 Outstanding ration bags guys! Mike are you trying to do a pre WW I medic display or cavalryman? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LtRGFRANK Posted April 2, 2010 Share #6 Posted April 2, 2010 I have one made by McKinnon Dash Co. According to my files its date Noy 1915. To wore out from yard work tonight but will try and locate it and post pictures. Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LtRGFRANK Posted April 2, 2010 Share #7 Posted April 2, 2010 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LtRGFRANK Posted April 2, 2010 Share #8 Posted April 2, 2010 Heres mine. Its hard to read but appears to be 1915. Thats what my son has it listed as. But you know how those markings are on heavy canvas. The different angle make the date change as you rotate it around??? Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LtRGFRANK Posted April 2, 2010 Share #9 Posted April 2, 2010 you also mentioned they were used as Medic Bags in WWI. Thats new to me. Do you have any picture proof of that. If thats so it makes me happy as I can move it over with my WWI Medic equipment display. Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keystone Posted April 2, 2010 Share #10 Posted April 2, 2010 Starting on page 421. The equipment adopted by the Hospital Corps just prior the WW1. http://books.google.com/books?id=NScCAAAAY...elt&f=false Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinb Posted April 3, 2010 Share #11 Posted April 3, 2010 I believe that anything made before 1917 would be made at Rock Island Arsenal. Yours appears to be made by a WW1 contractor. I think that your ration bags are 1918 dated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LtRGFRANK Posted April 3, 2010 Share #12 Posted April 3, 2010 I believe that anything made before 1917 would be made at Rock Island Arsenal. Yours appears to be made by a WW1 contractor. I think that your ration bags are 1918 dated. Thats very likely. Everytime I look at it I see a different date. Tonight it looks like 1916. Tomorrow it will probably be 1918. Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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