U.S. WWII M1936 Musette Bag with Shoulder Strap

New Made Item: Copied from an original in the IMA collection this a very high quality M-1936 U.S. WWII Musette Bag in OD Green. In addition to the standard bag we include a general-purpose adjustable shoulder strap that has D-rings on both ends. When used that way, the Musette Bag becomes a shoulder bag, not a pack.

Our bag is high quality heavy cotton canvas construction with heavy cotton web straps and black steel hardware. It is marked U.S. on the outer front flap, and for added authenticity the interior is stamped with a 1941 date and a WWII manufacturer name.

History of the Bag, Canvas, Field, M1936 (Musette Bag):

One result of the unpopularity of the M-1928 Haversack, was the spreading use of the Musette Bag. This bag was often seen with the paratroopers, but it was available for issue to most units and many used it.

In the photo at left, a WAAC demonstrates use of the Musette Bag as a pack. Since there were no straps provided to attach a blanket roll, the shelter half ropes were used for that purpose. The photo was taken 22 July 1943 at Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation.

The Musette Bag has a rear flap pocket with a snap closure, and a left side cargo pocket, also with a snap. The interior was sectioned into compartments. It was very common to see different colors used in the bag itself and the web straps as wartime production was often not able to coordinate the transition from khaki to olive drab. Most had "US" stamped on the flap with the manufacturer and date on the back panel. The equipment tab with eyelets was added later in production and is not present on early bags.

Two short straps with metal tab ends connect to two short straps with buckles to close the main flap of the bag.

Two parallel web straps were sewn to the back of the Musette Bag vertically. The straps each loop through a snap hook and double back to an adjusting buckle. The straps attach the top rear of the bag to the M-1936 combat suspe