M-1904/08 Haversack

The M-1878 and M-1899 haversacks saw much use during the Indian and Spanish American Wars, and it continued to be used in the early 20th century. The M-1904 was actually just the M-1899 haversack with twisted wire hooks on the rear D rings, and the shoulder strap was eliminated as it was to hang off the back grommets of the M-1903 cartridge belt. Later, spring clips replaced the D rings for easier attaching. A removable ration bag was also added inside the haversack so it was easier to clean. In 1908, the haversack was reduced in size due to ammunition no longer needed to be carried in the haversack. Both models of haversacks closed with a canvas tongue attached to the bottom of the front flap which passed through a buckle on the bottom of the rear of the bag. The tongues had a row of metal grommets evenly spaced out for adjusting. Later versions of the M-1908 haversack show a switch to a grommet-less tongue made of canvas with a rounded metal tip.