Product Description
Swiss Army "salt and pepper" canvas backpack, known as the Blachenstoff Tornister Ord. 14/17. Salt and pepper canvas body with leather straps. Shoulder straps are cotton canvas and leather.
Pack has two separate compartments, both measuring approximately 14" x 5.5" x 5.5". The upper compartment has two smaller storage compartments on the inside for small items. The bottom of the pack has a flap with leather straps that is intended to be used to retain a rolled individual tent cloth but it can also fit a rolled Swiss wool blanket.
Typically, one or two additional packs were lashed to the backpack: a pack called a Mantelhülle (similar to the handlebar packs used by military bicyclists), and a Bread Bag, neither are included with this item.
Salt and pepper canvas is in good condition, with expected discoloration from use and age. Leather is in very good condition with light wear and discoloration, and appears to have been well maintained. No visible sattler stamps on the leather.
Photos depict actual backpack for sale. The third image is an example of how the pack would have been loaded and worn.
The Blachenstofftornister Ord. 14 was made to replace the older model 1898 backpack. Improvements were made to the model 1914, and in June 19, 1917, the updated backpack was known as the model 14/17.