Description

Standard 6 3/8″ drum canteen, documented to pre-war, militia, private purchase, and CS use as well . Sports a 5″ gold powder stenciled star. These stars are seen painted on canteens from North and South in the pre-war period and into the early part of the war. They seem to be most often associated with CS during the extant of the war where the star seemed to replace the eagle as a centerpiece of design. However, they are certainly not unknown in Northern home guards, militias. etc. 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. This type canteen was in quantity in the South, and of course loved by Texas soldiers. Sometimes sold by Sutler’s filled with a little something special for the dry soldier. Strap is documented type sewn cotton with brass period patented buckle used on a myriad of straps, suspenders, clothing, &c. Marked for documented southern merchant of all types of clothing and equipment, D.B. Camp of Savannah. Stopple is standard cork and ring attached with leather thong. A great looking civilian, CS, militia, or private purchase canteen. 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, and, under represented in living history genres, 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. 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!