Presented here is a seldom seen, early war specimen of a Federal canteen constructed of molded leather. Lazare Cantel, a New York City leather hat case and trunk maker, patented this canteen example in October 1862. This specimen is a metal-lined, leather molded, "improved canteen" and measures 9" high x 7" wide x 1¾" deep. Canteen is made of two molded leather shells, each lined on the inside with a metal foil material and then secured together with fifty-two, small copper rivets in place around the outside edge of the piece. The canteen exhibits a pleasing dark, chocolate-brown leather and shows two upper shell extensions that flank the strong pewter spout. Both extensions are pierced with corresponding diagonal, 1" long rectangular slits and framed with narrow brass mounts on one side to secure the canteen's original leather two-piece, adjustable carrying strap. The longer adjustable portion of the strap measures approximately 40" long by ½" wide and is looped through and secured to one of the shell extensions. The shorter adjustable strap is missing save for a 2" leather remnant secured to the opposite shell extension.

Specimen leather is in excellent condition with a smooth, hard surface and no crazing. One leather blemish is a small, circular, 1/8" partial puncture near the 14th rivet on the left side of the canteen's exterior. This rare accoutrement still retains its original metal-capped cork stopper, modified pull ring along with its attached 3½" long metal chain. A very rare and interesting example of a non-regulation Union canteen of the Civil War.