I posted this to another forum but am unable to access the answers, so I'll try here. I'm trying to figure out how to put this vintage rucksack together. The place I bought it suggests it's Norwegian, but I've found nothing that looks even remotely similar on the Internet --as in sewing techniques and the hardware and webbing on the bag. I did have someone tell me it could very possibly be Norwegian from the WWII era. I'm not sure I can even get adequate instructions on how to put it together without pictures. The mannequin has certainly been a big help. This is how I started putting it together, and then came to a complete halt. The bag has these metal clips. This is the suspenders. It has loops that are a bit crunched at the end, suggesting they hook to the metal clips somehow. Back in picture one, you can see how the straps appear to fit through the guides in the suspenders. This is the front and the bottom of the bag. There is also a 2" wide belt, and a bunch of web gear. Anybody have an idea?
WOW. Looks like a CTD special -great for collecting, not so great in practicality. It looks like all ends hook onto the metal clasps; the top pieces get channeled through the pack straps down to the bottom clasps, and the bottom pieces simply attach to the top clasps -utilizing gravity and persistent tension to keep it in place. Very simple, not too effective, especially over rough terrain, and the pack won't hold too much weight for sure.
It's not a go bag. It's for camping with my church --no hiking. As a matter of fact, I think we'll be the only ones there without an RV. I just happen to have a thing for all things vintage! Once I figure out how it goes together, the sewing machine and a few feet of velcro will come into play.