Rings on the sholder strap

[Pete G.]

I have noticed quite q few newly made bags with the sholder strap attached to a brass ring or two. Where does this practice originate? I have seen very few original bags with this type of attachment. Is this an historically correct interpretation, and if so, from what period?

[John Archer]

There are a couple in Madison Grant's book...one from the Appalachians that is undated, the other from New England dated to 1835/40.

John.

[James Rogers]

I have noticed quite q few newly made bags with the sholder strap attached to a brass ring or two. Where does this practice originate? I have seen very few original bags with this type of attachment. Is this an historically correct interpretation, and if so, from what period?

Looks to be popular with 18th century Germanic bags.
Chris Immel just posted a neat image on frontierfolk from mid 18th century Germany showing a pouch connecting the body to the straps with rings.

[Artificer]

James,

I know one can't infer too much from continental sources; but would that possibly mean rings on shoulder straps being more of a german influence - would have been more likely on Pennsylvania made pouches than perhaps Virginia or Southern pouches? 

Gus