U.S. Model 1858 smooth surface canteen, supplied by the St. Louis Arsenal.  This style is noted on pages 118-119 of Sylvia and O’Donnell’s “Civil War Canteens.”  The St. Louis Arsenal canteen was distinct in its course brown cloth cover, rolled lip spout and heavy lead solder on the seams; they were produced in 1864 and 1865 and have been recovered on battlefields between Petersburg and Appomattox.

This example has a fully intact body with the spout and sling loops firmly in place.  To the touch, there are two indentations present.  The chain is absent; however, the stopper has a complete cork.  The cloth cover exhibits assorted patches of staining on both surfaces and a 1/4“ by 1/2“ wear mark at the center.  The sling is stitched along both edges and is connected by stitching.  With the exception of a 3/4“tear, it is entirely supple and is in otherwise very fine condition.  An ink stamp is present but difficult to read; it appears to be “John Lawton,” likely a maker of military goods.  [JC]

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