CLASSIC CONFEDERATE WOOD DRUM CANTEEN, INSCRIBED, WITH SLING

$2,495.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 1202-103

This is a great example of the classic Civil War Confederate wood drum canteen. Often referred to the Gardner pattern, this was a simple design well within the abilities not only of coopers, but other woodworkers, who produced them throughout the south- so much so that even at the time were valued trophies and war relics instantly recognizable as Confederate.

These were made using simple lathe-turned front and back faces with staves curved to fit round them and grooved to fit over the edge and hold them in place, all secured by two narrow, rivetted iron hoops. The hoops are in turn kept in place by three cross bands turned up at the ends and raised in the middle to keep the hoops in position, and also to act as brackets for a shoulder strap. It's an ingenious construction, with all parts acting with and against each other to keep the thing together.

This shows some wear and wartime use but is in very good condition, lacking just the spout, which is usually the case and in some cases perhaps dispensed with in the making. A small notch was cut in the edge of the stave near it, perhaps as a vent hole make drinking from it easier. Both riveted iron hoops are present, showing brown with shallow oxidation and pitting, but secure, and the upper two sling brackets are in place also, with just the bottom one, not essential, missing. The color is a pleasing mellow brown on the faces and staves, with the finish worn from the middle of the staves around the circumference, below the shoulder brackets, from wear by the sling. The sling is one-piece web, showing some wear to the edges and staining from the brackets, and matches the wear to the finish in its width. It appears original to the canteen, though they were often replaced during the war or even after for display in a GAR hall or continued use around a farm.

The lower right side of one face is clearly carved in old block letters “10 V.” This could be “IOV” and be the owner’s initials, but the “V” is carved as a shaded letter the first two figures are not, so we are likely looking at a carving meant to indicate a “10th Volunteers,” and the carving is real enough, but there is nothing to go on to take it further.

This is a great example of classic piece of Confederate field gear that shows off very well. It would make a great addition to a Confederate display, general Civil War collection, or even a specialized collection of canteens, which have lots of variations with many showing personalized details like this.  [sr][ph:L]

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