Presented here, in very good condition, is an original Civil War tin canteen, of possible militia origin, pressed into Confederate service. Tin drum canteens were utilized before the war by militia troops from both North and South. Some of these field accoutrements even 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. The US regulation model 1858 canteen quickly filled the ranks of the Federal Army.

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 3/4" high tin spout at the top. The outside features three, narrow, tin sling loops evenly spaced around the band, for the sling, that is almost completely missing. One small fragment of leather remains stuck in the bottom loop. The tin canteen sides are folded over with all seams still strongly soldered and not crimped. Light pitting visible on both of the flat sides. Seams are tight and strong with no splits, cracks or breaks whatsoever. Both sides of the canteen have a few dents, as well as two on the outer band. The entire piece has been coated in a clear preservative.

From the former “Old Stone House Museum” in Windsor, NY. With blue sticker #SHM C-14 in place and an old hand typed display tag that reads “CONFEDERATE TIN DRUM CANTEEN/ CARRIED BY A MAN FROM LURAY, / VIRGINIA WHILE SERVING WITH/ THE STONEWALL BRIGADE OF/ STONEWALL JACKSON’S FOOT/ CAVALRY”. Originally purchased in 1974 and valued at the time at $85.

On the march, the soldier usually wore the device against his body to reduce the bouncing and bumping. 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. Eventually causing a reduction of tin canteen products and switching to 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 Civil War collector to acquire a tin drum specimen with Confederate usage at a reasonable price.   [stp][ph:L]

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