Austrian WWI Enlisted Ranks Side Bag (Haversack)

This is an original example of the side bag, or haversack, as issued to Austro-Hungarian enlisted ranks during the First World War. This piece of field gear was essential for carrying a soldier's personal rations, mess tins, and small daily necessities.

The bag is constructed from heavy-duty canvas and remains complete with its original fixed shoulder strap. In terms of design and function, it shares many characteristics with the German bread bag of the same era. A notable feature of this Austrian variant is the use of canvas for the two main closing straps, which utilize a material and weave very similar to those found on Austrian helmet chinstraps.

The canvas shows some expected surface staining and evidence of field use, which adds to its authentic character. All buttons and attachment points appear to be present. Original Austrian soft-goods from the Great War are increasingly difficult to source in any condition, making this a significant addition to an infantry equipment display.

Ref; 95709