1970s Royal Marines 40 Cdo Commando Named Framed Rucksack Sgt Shepherd P032807C

Interesting vintage British external-frame rucksack with strong 40 Commando Royal Marines provenance.

The pack is of the classic 1970s mountaineering / expedition style, with khaki canvas body, tubular metal external frame, leather straps, twin side pockets, large top flap and drawcord closure.

It is very similar in design to period Brown Best / Cresta framed rucksacks, examples of which are known to have been used by Royal Marines during the period. However, this particular pack does not appear to carry a commercial Brown Best / Cresta maker’s label, so I am not attributing it firmly to that manufacturer.

This example is named to Sgt Shepherd, 40 Commando Royal Marines, with handwritten ownership details on the pack and his dog tag still present, marked:

P032807C

The inside of the canvas also carries unusual black stencilled markings. These appear to include B&E 78 together with a reference number which appears to read 0471 419 / 7890

The number does not appear to follow the standard 13-digit NATO Stock Number format, so I have not described it as an NSN. It may instead represent an internal stores, contract, unit or procurement reference.

The “78” may indicate a 1978 date, although this has not been confirmed.

The absence of normal commercial branding, together with the black B&E 78 stores-style stencil, the reference number and direct Royal Marines association, raises the possibility that the pack may have been unit purchased, specially procured or possibly used as trial / experimental equipment. This has not been proven, so buyers should draw their own conclusions from the photographs and markings.

Period evidence shows that Royal Marines used commercially derived framed mountaineering rucksacks during the 1970s, so the 40 Commando association is entirely consistent with this type of equipment.

Condition is used, with general age-related wear, staining, marks and surface wear to the canvas, leather fittings and metal frame, as would be expected from a pack of this age and apparent service use.

Please study all photographs carefully, particularly the handwritten ownership details, dog tag and internal stencilled markings, as these form an important part of the description.

A very interesting named 40 Commando Royal Marines rucksack with excellent direct provenance and unusual internal stores-style markings.

Weight: 2.14 kg