This Civil War artifact is an honest but incomplete example of a typical, brown wool-covered Federal Model 1858 corrugated canteen, know widely as a 'bullseye' canteen. This specimen was once part of the renowned Civil War collection of Mr. William Gavin of Charlestown, VA. A most recognizable canteen, this specimen is a product of the New York Depot and has three iron strap loops, one of which has a small hole drilled in it to secure a small link chain that connects to the cork pull ring. Canteen is missing the link chain, as well as the cork stopper, pull ring and the shoulder strap. Canteen consists of two circular sections of pressed tin formed to an oblate spheroid pattern that is soldered together along the rim.

The canteen still retains its original but much faded brown wool cover that exhibits a number of thin areas with some tears, rips, and fraying. Canteen body is undented with no depressions. Spaced evenly along both sides of the body are eight, concentric, raised, corrugated rings that strengthen the body structure. Three iron strap loops are tight with two lops that show a hand scratched letter "A" or "H". Pewter spout is good with slight distortion and shows an old inventory tag attached with a note "Union Civil War Canteen" written on it. Spout has an old tape tag with the number '87'. This original artifact is a survivor of the American Civil War and would make a wonderful canteen for any collection.

This item is from the collection of the late William G. "Bill" Gavin (1924 - 2010) was one of the nation's most prominent and esteemed Civil War relic collectors. Following graduation from West Point [Class of 1946], Gavin became a pioneer in applying WWII mine-detector technology to relic hunting. Along the way, he became an avid historian whose collection, with its origins dating back to the 1930's, was enhanced by his acute knowledge of battlefield troop movements. His service to his country included six years in the U.S. Army, followed by a seven year period in which he was a member of the U.S. Army (Ready) Reserve.

Mr. Gavin shared his Civil War knowledge via the publication of four books and several magazine articles. In 1963 he authored one of the earliest books on relic buckles (Accoutrement Plates North and South, 1861-65), and in the 1970s established the Rectory Museum in Harper's Ferry, while becoming owner of The Cliffside Inn. He was also the owner of Happy Retreat, the 18th century home of Charles Washington, youngest brother of George Washington, located in Charles Town, WV.  The Horse Soldier joins the national Civil War community in mourning Bill Gavin’s passing, and is proud to be able to offer items from his exceptional collection.