Presented here, in very good condition, is an original Civil War tin canteen of possible militia origin that is of Confederate use. Tin drum canteens were utilized before the war by militia troops from both North and South and some of these field accoutrements saw service during the Mexican War. During the war between the States, Confederate tin drum canteens were produced in various shapes, sizes and fittings due to the multitude of small, local metal shops located throughout the South. This canteen specimen is made from two 6" diameter pieces of medium-gauge tin that are soldered to a 1¾" wide, circular tin band. The band features a 1" high tin spout near the upper area and three, narrow, tin sling loops evenly spaced around the band for the sling or strap that is missing. Inserted in spout is a modern cork. The tin canteen sides are folded over with all seams still strongly soldered and not crimped. No rust visible. Seams are tight and strong with no splits, cracks or breaks whatsoever. One side of the canteen is flat while the opposite side is convex.

On the march, the soldier usually wore the device with the flat side against his body to reduce the bouncing and bumping. The convex side has a moderate dent along the left edge but it does not detract from the integrity of the canteen. By the middle of the war with southern manufacturing 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 of the hardier and stronger wooden drum variety. For reference, see Civil War Canteens by Stephen W. Sylvia and Michael J. O'Donnell. This canteen presents an excellent opportunity for the canteen collector to acquire a fine artifact tin drum specimen with likely Confederate usage at a reasonable price. A wonderful addition to a Southern soldiers' display.

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