This Civil War artifact is an example of the typical, wool-covered, Federal Model 1858 smoothside canteen as was issued to countless Union troops early in the war. One of the most important accoutrements of any soldier's gear, outside his weapon, was his canteen. The M1858 canteen consists of two circular sections of pressed tin formed to an oblate spheroid pattern that is soldered together along the rim. Canteen still retains most of its original, brown wool covering, but in fair to poor condition with major wear-through of the wool that exposes the bare metal beneath. Areas of surface soiling and some surface rust visible.

Accoutrement is still sound and bears a single 2" diameter depression on one side. Canteen is missing its iron pull ring, cork stopper, chain and its cotton-carrying sling. Spaced along the rim are three iron sling loops with one that has a small drilled hole for attachment of the metal link chain indicating that this canteen was produced at the New York Army Depot. This artifact is a true survivor of the Civil War and presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an original Federal canteen price for your collection at a modest price.