SPANAM, INDIAN WARS, MODEL 1878 BLANKET BAG, ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL The M1878 blanket bag replaced the Model 1874 Clothing Bag and was designed to be worn on the soldier?s back like a rucksack or backpack and was to be of sufficient size to carry the soldier?s bedding blanket, an extra pair of shoes, underclothing and socks, and his personal effects. A soldier could also attach his rolled shelter half and poncho to its exterior. Early blanket bags can be identified by the style of the U.S. marking. Pre 1900, the U.S. letters were broken, whereas later patterns the US letters were solid. In this case the letters are solid. The bag used two leather shoulder straps which were threaded through the brass loops at the top and used brass hooks to attach to the Rings at the bottom. The outside flap is stenciled with solid ?U.S.? letters. The back of the bag is stenciled with the soldiers name and his identification number ?WASHINGTON, 253? The inside flap is marked ?ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL?. The shoulder straps are in poor condition. The left shoulder strap cannot be attached to the upper portion of the bag. The shoulder straps can be easily replaced. Otherwise, this blanket bag is in good condition with no rips or tears. This will be shipped via United Parcel Service (UPS w/tracking. International Buyers Please Note: We do not ship outside of the United States! No Exceptions. In addition, we will not ship to third party shippers or any other international shipping hubs such as International Shipping (EIS), EIS 110 INTERNATIONALE BLVD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2080, or ACI Express Shipping. No buying agents such as Intercommerce America. No international buyers, no freight forwarding companies, no gift addresses, no non U.S. citizen buyers, and no non U.S. based forms of payment. If you place a bid, or make a purchase, we will cancel your bid, and or cancel your purchase! If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to find someone located within the United States to make the purchase for you. They would be responsible to send the package to you. We do ship to APO and FPO addresses.