During WWII, some troops had their Musette Bags modified by having the short straps for the GP strap removed and replaced with Haversack shoulder straps to make them a stand alone backpack without requiring the M1936 Combat Suspenders. We acquired an original example at a show that was named to an officer who fought with the Americal Division in the Pacific. This modification was also mentioned in John B. George's memoir "Shots Fired in Anger".

Our Musette Bags are made just like the originals, using no. 8 100% cotton duck canvas, in the WWII issue olive drab number 3 shade. The straps are 100% cotton, shuttle loomed webbing of the appropriate sizes and types, and all hardware is military spec. The tack buttons, riveted slides, and D-rings are NOS original WWII. The snaps hook, ball tips, GP strap hardware and 1" slides are Scovil. (They were a WWII era contractor.) The markings are professionally stenciled and heat cured. All bags include the 2" wide General Purpose carrying strap.

The bag has a main compartment of approximately 11" x 12" x 5", which has an internal divider that itself is divided in two, giving 4 actual compartments inside, plus a smaller 5" x 5" external side pocket.

Marked "Kirkman Manufacturing 1942".

Notes! These bags no longer include a GP strap and can no longer be worn as an over the shoulder bag!

Which units wore these? No idea. The only ones specifically mentioned were in the Pacific- we have no idea whether or not they were used by Paratroopers.

Care: Hand clean & air dry only! Machine washing and/ or dryers will cause shrinkage and damage to hardware.


Made in USA