This item was dug by the late Bill Gavin in a Confederate camp. Unfortunately we have not been able to determine where this camp was located. This is a tin drum canteen in good condition for a dug item. The body is solid. The inner dividing wall is present but became loose near the bottom and as fallen onto outer wall. The top of the inner wall is still holding in place. One outer wall has been removed. The thought is that the canteen was converted into some kind of camp pan or pot. Both spouts are missing but the holes for both are present. Sling keepers are gone. There is some tearing along the top edge where the outer wall was cut off. There is also a small split meas. approx. 1.0 inch long. Someone attach a tag through this slit not too long ago that reads "C. S. Army Camp, Rare 2 container canteen." Old piece of masking tape with "107" attached to the bottom.

This item is from the collection of the late William G. "Bill" Gavin (1924 - 2010), who 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.

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