Description

Standard 6 3/8″ drum canteen, type documented to pre-war, militia, private purchase, &c. Smartly stenciled with standard “U.S.” in center in  gold powder. Based upon originals in both private and public museum collections, this one thought to be either a militia canteen, an experimental army trial, or simply a private purchase canteen. 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.  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.  Stopple is standard cork and ring attached with leather thong. A great looking civilian, 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!