BULLET-STRUCK CANTEEN EX-MILLER G.A.R. POST #551, YORK SPRINGS, PA

BULLET-STRUCK CANTEEN EX-MILLER G.A.R. POST #551, YORK SPRINGS, PA

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3

$1,250.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1202-1033

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

This US Civil War canteen is the corrugated pattern, rather fittingly in this case nicknamed the “bulls-eye” pattern since it was clearly used for target practice. The corrugated rings strengthened the sides and are usually associated with canteens coming out of the Philadelphia depot, with the number of rings sometimes tying them to specific makers, even if unmarked. This one retains its pewter spout and three brackets for a carrying strap. It shows a bullet hole in the base of the spout, another nicking one shoulder, and another dozen or so through the middle and upper body.

This comes out of the Miller G.A.R. Post 551, Department of PA, located in York Springs, here in Adams County, and one side of the canteen shows remnants of green and light blue paint decoration, indicating it was likely on display before being used as a target. The bullet holes likewise indicate a smaller caliber weapon than a Civil War musket or carbine.

When the post disbanded, sometime between 1919 and 1924, the relics were entrusted to David Starry, reportedly the youngest member or the post, and a former Post Adjutant and Post Commander. These included tagged and un-tagged relics from the battlefield and a few tagged pieces from elsewhere. These remained in Starry’s family until purchased by well-known Maryland antique and Civil War dealer Tom Gordon and his father in the 1970s and a number of pieces from this collection have come our way over the years.

The Miller Post had been chartered (or “mustered”) July 2, 1887, and was named after a member of the 30th Pennsylvania killed at South Mountain. David Starry had served twice in the war: in the 165th PA Drafted Militia and in the 21st PA Cavalry. He returned to Adams County after the war, married in 1868 and reared twelve children. We know from the February 1924 obituary of another former member of the Miller Post #551 that the post had disbanded by that point. Ironically, though entrusted with the relics as the youngest member of the post according to the family, he died in 1925, outlived by at least one other member, who died in 1931, reportedly as the last survivor.

Regardless of the date of the bullet holes, it is still a rather eye-catching piece, with the bullet holes reminding one of its military background despite its peaceful purpose, perhaps an intentionally sobering reminder by the veterans for visitors to the post.  [sr][ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About BULLET-STRUCK CANTEEN EX-MILLER G.A.R. POST #551, YORK SPRINGS, PA

should be empty