This Civil War artifact is an excellent example of a typical, wool-covered, Federal Model 1858 smoothside canteen as was issued to Union forces throughout in the war. A most recognizable canteen, the specimen is a product of the New York Army Depot and consists of two circular sections of pressed tin formed to an oblate spheroid pattern that is soldered together along the rim. Remarkably, the canteen still retains its original, brown wool covering, now turned to a dirty gray coloring with normal fading and soiling. Wool cloth does exhibit scattered spots of fabric thinning but no holes. The body of the canteen is strong but it does bear a medium size depression on each side. Spaced along the rim are three iron slings, one that has a small hole for attachment of the chain. The canteen is complete with iron pull ring, cork stopper, chain, folded over and double-sewn cotton carrying sling, all original to the piece and in very fine condition. Sling is stenciled in black ink with the inspector mark “T. F. Bayles, / US / N.Y.” See reference to T.F. Bayles in Mike O’Donnell’s book “US Army & Militia Canteens, p 149. Strap also marked with letters “H.G.” A great opportunity to acquire a fantastic, original, government-inspected, wool-covered Federal canteen for your collection.  [ra]

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