Description

A relatively common style canteen seen in martial and civilian use from the 18th century through the Civil War era, both North and South. Patterned after the British, “tin bottle” canteen it was used by militias, state and home guards and civilians alike. Several patented and filter type canteens utilized the basic pattern in their applications. 7 1/2″ tall and 5 3/8″ wide with an oval kidney shaped base and top. 1 1/2″ straight tin spout. The canteen is suspended by a twisted cord passed through round tin eyelets, a common method used during the CW period even with spheroid and drum canteens. The stopple is made of turned wood attached with a leather thong. This one has a gorgeous documented eagle with “UNION!” emblazoned over the top. A strikingly handsome canteen and a nice departure from the same old same old. Would be appropriate for a myriad of applications, such as pre-war and militia impressions, but would also really finish off the Officer’s kit. Based upon originals in both private and public museum collections. Japanning of canteens both prior to covering and left uncovered, plain and decoratively stenciled, are well documented in the CW and pre-war period. A common early practice, intended to be an inhibitor to rust on tin, japanning often took on a more decorative result. While the coating’s long term effectiveness at inhibiting rust was dubious, since it scratched off, it was still a prevalent period practice and japanned tinware is under represented in the Living History genre today. Officers, and well heeled enlisted men had quite an array of such items to choose from when purchasing their kit and a significant diversity of original types are extant as a result. Please remember that while we utilized as robust a period japanning method as possible and overcoat these canteens once they are stenciled – the japanning will scratch and wear as seen on all original japanned tinware that has seen any use. (do NOT scrub it) It is not intended to stay pristine, nor did the originals. The canteen body itself will hold up to normal field use just the same as any uncovered one would, while the finish develops more great character. Just the ticket for the officer or soldier who wishes to make a statement. Another strikingly handsome canteen – we are happy to have been able to again produce some of these beautiful jappanned canteens for you!