Original specimen of the Federal Model 1858 ‘Bullseye’ pattern tin canteen in very good condition.  Issued to all Union troops in the field, the example comes complete with a desirable blue kersey wool covering, cork stopper, iron pull ring and cotton carry sling.   This artifact has seven reinforcing rings extruded on each side.  Its original cork stopper and iron pull ring are have lost the cotton twine string and are unattached to the canteen.  The bullseye pattern of concentric rings began in 1861 as an effort to increase the durability of canteen equipment. Fluid capacity of the canteen was three pints and its liquid contents were kept cool by means of a damp or wet wool cover.

This cover, made of original, dark-blue kersey material, is handsewn along the canteen seams. Cover exhibits a number of small moth nips and medium sized holes / tears overall but is in quite strong and tight condition. Canteen consists of two circular sections of pressed-tin, formed in an oblate spheroid pattern and soldered together at the rim. Pewter spout is unmarked.  The iron pull ring is intact and the cork stopper is complete.  Once white, the linen carrying strap has turned to a mottled, dark beige color and exhibits light edge fraying in spots. This complete ‘Bullseye’ or corrugated pattern canteen is a very good example of what the Civil War soldier carried on his person, day in and day out.