Confederate infantryman’s original tin drum canteen in strong relic condition. Accoutrement is painted in old gold paint which is flaking off in areas. This specimen closely resembles the soldier’s canteen recovered in an 1863- 1864 Confederate camp in Orange, VA. This very canteen is pictured on page 78 of “Civil War Canteens” by Stephen W. Sylvia and Michael J. O’Donnell, Moss Publications, 1990.

Made of three pieces of medium-gauge tin, the circular convex sides (faces) are crimped flat along their edges. Crimp is approximately ¼” high and extends beyond each of the two 6¼” diameter sides. The center band is a 2” wide, circular section and secures the two outer faces. Canteen exhibits two of its original three short sling loops on the center band, in addition to having a short (1/2” high) tin spout at the top of artifact. Has no stopper or woven leather sling attached.

Tin drum canteens were utilized before the war by militia troops from both North and South and this type of field accoutrement even saw service during the Mexican War. Folded over seams strong and tight with no splits or cracks visible. Visible are areas of rust through and what appear to be knife or bayonet blade perforations. No maker’s stamp or other markings visible.

During the war, Confederate tin drum canteens were produced in various shapes and sizes due to the multitude of small, local metal shops located throughout the South.  By the middle of the war with southern bases like Nashville and New Orleans in Union hands, tin drum canteen production in the South became even more rough and less refined, causing a faze out of tin canteen products with replacements by the hardier and stronger wooden drum canteens.

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