2nd United States Sharpshooters, Company D
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Uniforms and Gear

Welcome to our uniforms and gear page.  These resources explain our gear and list articles and resources to improve your impression.  Texts in italics are straight from army regulations.

Secret's Out...We're Making Knapsacks!

12/2/2018

14 Comments

 
By 1st Sgt. Koepp

     Being so well known for making just about everything, it was only a matter of time before we finally got around to this. Many of you know that the Captain and I have been up to a top secret project and now we're finally ready to let the world know: we're making Berdan knapsacks!  Cpt. Whitehall recently helped me with a purchase from a retiring reenactor. With it, we were surprised that he included his amazingly detailed research and build plans for a Berdan knapsack from Company C.  As you can imagine, we were blow away and began planning an intensive build weekend.  We both contributed a hefty initial investment to get the project off the ground.  The Cpt. was so excited, he got to building the straps as soon he got back from Tandy leather.  A couple of weeks later, he was in my shop for several long days figuring out the process.
     Each day, we started with coffee and contemplation before heading straight for the shop until we crashed each night.  We were surprised at how fairly straight forward the construction is.  While the Cpt. was cutting and stitching leather, I was building frames and cutting templates.  We got enough leather and wood cut for our initial batch and to build our skills.  Though, our first one came out way better than we expected.  Once back home, Cpt. settled in for the finishing work.  The last piece to complete the project were the custom machined finials that a wonderful fellow reenactor and machinist made for us.
     Our knapsacks, based on plans from an original, are quite a bit different from other reproductions.  Two areas that really stand out are weight and fit.  The Whitehall Koepp knapsacks are a good two pounds lighter and the back relief on these frames make an already comfortable pack even more comfy.
     The only thing left is to buy a mess kit for it.  Though, we have detailed blueprints to build them as soon as we can find a tin supplier.
14 Comments
Andrew Tuccio
12/3/2018 05:18:19 am

Looking very impressive. You could quickly become famous and make a name in the reenacting community and a couple of dollars at the same time.

Reply
Logan Pendell
2/10/2019 07:22:59 pm

Hey...you all did an awesome job on those! Any chance you'll be modeling them this year?

Reply
Bobby Adams
6/30/2019 10:56:16 am

Solid work!!! Are you guys going to publish the plans or maybe make some packs for sale? I'd be willing to purchase a pack and mess kit once everything comes together.

Reply
1st sgt. Koepp link
6/30/2019 11:01:16 am

If you're interested in purchasing one you can email Capt. Whitehall for more info. His email is on our homepage.

Reply
John R Owen II
7/21/2021 03:04:42 pm

What is the price on the knapsack?

Randy Bedell
8/16/2019 12:58:58 pm

Nice job looks comfortable and tight

Reply
Don Lyng
1/26/2020 03:50:22 pm

Any chance of taking orders?

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Barry Bowden
3/30/2020 09:28:53 am

I love how this pack is made. While not doing a sharpshooter impression I could pass this off as a battlefield pickup. Do you plan on making your build process available?

Reply
David Schmidt link
8/14/2020 01:00:56 pm

Any chances of getting basic specs.on the back pack? I’m one of Reynolds Instructors. I’m working on a uniform of the sharp shooters. One of the things I teach is leatherworking. I would like to make the pack. Finally got the cook kit, but now the pack.it would be out of my pocket, but willing to pay if needed.

Reply
Joseph link
10/7/2020 04:04:12 pm

Did you sell that knapsack???

Reply
Don Johan Argenius
6/11/2021 04:50:59 am

Is it possible to get the bluprints on the sharpshooters backpack so I can try make one?

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Adam Burton
6/22/2021 05:19:15 am

I have a berdan knapsack tounge buckle that I dug in stafford Virginia(hookers hill) I can’t seem to find any info on this. Can anyone steer me in the right direction. Looking for which company of sharpshooters were in this area and value?

Reply
John R Owen II
7/21/2021 03:05:32 pm

What is the price of a knapsack?

Reply
Peter Svelander
5/3/2022 12:18:40 am

need some help ..
what are the dimensions of the frame for Sharpshooter Knapsack
mvh Peter

Reply



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    2nd USSS, Co. D

    Contact:
    Captain Ethan Whitehall:
    ethanbugs17@gmail.com

    ​Vendors:
    NJ Sekela
    Wambaugh & White
    Regimental Quartermaster
    Townsends

    Dell's Leather Works

    Gun Parts:
    VTI gun parts
    Flintlocks, Etc.
    ​Taylor's & Company


    Firearms Dealers:
    Gun Broker
    Dixie Gun Works

    Other Links:
    Washington Civil War Association
    Happy Friends of Civil War Farb
    Company C Berdan Sharpshooters

    Historically Speaking

    New Recruits:
    WCWA Safety Test


    Other Resources:
    Company D Standing Orders
    Company D Drill Guide
    Berdan Brochure

    Officer Responsibilities

    Handy Reenacting Forms
    Form 4. Accouterments Inventory
    Form 5. Camp and Garrison Equipage 
    2nd USSS Inventory Receipt 

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