Canteen is remarkably devoid of scratches, chips or blemishes and traces of the original black paint can still be discerned on the iron hoops, giving rise to the supposition that the canteen was “souveniered” in unissued condition. The diameter of the canteen is approximate 7 3/8”. This canteen is free of varnish; the grain of the cedar shows through beautifully. The canteen has never been oiled and remains in its natural state, as originally manufactured. A very short leather sling with a period roller buckle encircles the canteen.

Faintly penciled on one face is the following inscription: “A. H. Kerr / Chap[illeg.] / 9^th Minn.” Kerr returned to St. Charles, MN following the war. The canteen and various other war relics were discovered in the attic of a St. Paul, MN home. The referenced strap was on the canteen when it was discovered in the St. Paul home.

Kerr was with the 9^th Minnesota in its late-war actions at Nashville and the Siege of Mobile. The 9^th thereafter occupied various Alabama cities prior to its discharge, including but not limited to Selma and Montgomery; the C.S. Arsenals in the latter two cities were major points of distribution for cedar canteens. A pewter Federal spout, not original to the canteen, is included.

Accompanied by a transcription of Kerr’s 1865 diary.

Included in the photos above are screen shots of CDVs of Kerr found online in the Minnesota Digital Library and at civilwardata.com.  Printouts of the images are included in the paperwork accompanying the canteen.  [ph:L]

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