This Civil War artifact is an original New York Depot style Model 1858 ‘smoothside-pattern’ canteen carried by Private Adam Albright during the war.   Albright was a thirty-nine year old laborer and family man from Lancaster, PA when he enlisted in Co “E”, 1^st Penn Reserves (a.k.a. 30^th PA Vols.) on July 26, 1861. He served with the unit until he was discharged and mustered out on 9 Feb 1864 when he re-enlisted as a Veteran Volunteer in Co “F”, 190^th PA Vols. at Bristoe, VA.  While at Petersburg, Albright was wounded by a rebel sniper on June 22, 1864 and died of the wound four days later at the 5^th Corps hospital at City Point, VA. He is buried at the City Point National Cemetery and left behind a wife and six children under fourteen years of age.  

Typical of what Federal troops carried during the war, Albright’s tin canteen was an example of the New York Depot style. Canteen is in solid condition with one small dent and retains its pewter spout and the three iron loops for the sling. Accoutrement has lost its wool cover, iron pull ring, cork stopper and chain, along with the shoulder sling.  Entire canteen wears old green paint and exhibits a period paper tag with ragged edges glued to one side.    A note, handwritten in black ink on the tag, reads “Given over Nov 26 1904 / Presented to L. Engine Co / ______ By / Adam Albright”.   The presenter, Adam Albright, the second son and namesake of the Civil War soldier, was born on Oct 31, 1854.  Opposite side of canteen show traces of an old tag since removed.    

Identified artifacts, such as this canteen, are becoming harder to locate in the collecting market.  Canteen comes with a copy of Albright’s military and pension records from the National Archives in Washington, DC.