All three sling keepers remain as well as one of the two spouts. The body is rusted throughout but not heavily. At some point in its life this canteen was opened and a bayonet used to perforate the center dividing wall. There are approx. 15 triangle shaped holes punched on the inside wall. The top of the canteen was cut open and pulled back. This opening goes for about 5 inches along the edge. At that point a bayonet was inserted to make the holes. Then, the bottom wall was cut for approx. 4.5 inches along its bottom allowing whatever was being strained to drain out. The walls along the area of the cutting have pushed in a little from being in the ground over the years. A rare and interesting dug relic. Recovered in the area of Hamilton’s Crossing at Fredericksburg. Previously sold as item# 601-22.  [ad]

This item is from the collection of, and was dug by, 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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