Wood canteens like this with simple lathe-turned front and back faces and staves secured with iron bands were made throughout the south and even at the time were regarded as the quintessential Confederate canteen, becoming valued relics and war trophies. They tend to get lumped together under the general heading of “Gardner pattern” canteens, but this one shows a tapering cylindrical wood spout with lip that shows up on many examples from the Richmond area.

The condition is excellent. The staves, faces and bands are tight. The sling brackets are in place. The iron bands show their forging marks and are a mix of black, gray and brown, but have no standing rust or deep pitting. A wood stopper is in place and secured by a piece of twine. A tan web shoulder strap that shows some age but may or may not be original is in place and looks good. The faces of the canteen show the usual small handling dings and scratches of 150 years, but have good color and a nice aged patina.

This is a very nice example that displays well and would look great with a Confederate D-guard bowie across it. Both are iconic Confederate items.  [sr]

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