Model 1859 Portuguese army clothes backpack. Historical note, conservation and restoration treatment

Abstract

The model 1859 clothes backpack was used to carry soldier's spare clothing and necessaries. It was strictly made according to a pattern and was constructed in a box shape from leather and canvas, painted black on the exterior. An example of this model, which belongs to the Lisbon Military Museum collection (MML02048), was removed from the storage in 2016 in order to be inventoried. It was subsequently restored within the curricular unit “conservation and restoration project” of the Conservation and Restoration Bachelor so it could be placed on permanent exhibition. This object was likely used in campaign in Mozambique in 1894-95 by the bugler António Moura, taking part on the combat of Marracuene. Areas of deterioration, such as f laking paint and canvas losses, were caused mainly by storage conditions and improper care over the course of more than a century. The treatment was guided towards its ideal state, enhancing mostly historical and aesthetical values which were obtained through investigation.