Bedroll

Object Name:

Bedroll

Object ID:

1991.073

Date:

circa 1918

Description:

Bedroll, used by Clarence Earle Rexford (1875-1970) of Concord, NH, in World War I and New Hampshire National Guard until his retirement in 1939. Majority is olive drab oiled canvas. Side panels are pinkish-tan canvas, non-oiled, each 72" long x 27" wide. Side panels overlap when closed with one having metal spring clips at corners and at center edge. The other has three metal rings located so they can be connected to the spring clips when panels are folded inward. Safety pins have been placed near each spring clip. One end has a panel of oiled canvas extending 15.5" beyond end of side panels. Other end has a long panel of oiled canvas extending 57" beyond end of side panels. This panel has a painted sign on the exterior, which shows when bedroll is rolled up. This sign is a black edged, white rectangle with black lettering: "C.E. REXFORD. / MAJOR. / 3RD B'N. 312th INF." and a red half circle with a white lighting bolt crossing from upper right to lower left. Above this rectangle in white lettering is "Maj. C.E. Rexford". To left of painted rectangle are faded black stenciled letters: "...BS../CU." A 16" deep pocket of oiled canvas is sewn along the seams holding the end panels in place, so that the pockets open into the area covered by the side panels. Outside has two 2.5" by 4.25" leather loops to hold ties in place.

Material:

Textile
Metal
Leather
Canvas

Dimensions:

W-35.25 L-144 inches

Provenance:

Clarence E. Rexford (1875-1970) served as a Major in the 312th Infantry from Nov. 1918 to June 1919. John Rexford (1922-2000) was the son of Clarence.

Credit Line:

Gift of John Rexford

People:

Rexford, Clarence (1875-1970), Rexford, John (1922-2000)

Subjects:

World War I, Beds