Objects Database

Thomas Black's 'Brigadis' Rucksack

Accession Number

1610.2021.1

Object Name

Thomas Black's 'Brigadis' Rucksack

Created

25/06/2021

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

25/06/2021

Brief Description

Thomas Black's 'Brigadis' rucksack with metal'A' frame and leather straps. Drawstring top, metal buckles and three pockets.

Materials

canvas, metal, leather

Dimensions

60(L) x 35(W) x 18(D) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Colour

grey, brown

Maker

Bergan

Object Production Place

Norway

Provenance

A Norwegian called Ole Bergan is credited with inventing the world’s first ‘A’ frame rucksack in 1908/9. So popular was it that ‘Bergan’ became the generic term for just about every rucksack for decades after, even if they weren’t actually made by Bergans of Norway.
As with every great invention a multitude of copies followed. In the UK a company called Brown Best produced very similar sacks which competed well with the Norwegian versions.
Thomas Black and Sons of Greenock were the main importers of Bergans and the fabulous extract from their 1940’s Good Companion’s Brochure opposite, berates Adolph Hitler for invading Norway and cutting off the supply.
We think the page also shows the rucksack we have here in the collection, the ‘Brigadis’.
We are not 100% sure since there are no markings though everything else seems to tally.
A nice addition to our ever growing collection of rucksacks.

Acquisition Date

25/06/2021

Condition Check Date

25/06/2021

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

25/06/2021

Go Back