Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice Civil War specimen of the Model 1858 Bullseye pattern tin canteen in good condition. Often referred to as a Philadelphia Depot-style corrugated canteen, these were issued to Union troops in the field through the end of the American Civil War. The canteen consists of two circular sections of pressed-tin, formed in an oblate spheroid pattern and soldered together at the rim. The Philadelphia Depot produced over 1,500,000 such corrugated canteens for the Federal US Army.
This early production canteen exhibits eight reinforcing rings extruded on each side, and is wrapped in a dark brown, canvas twill covering that has faded to a mellow brown. Canteen retains its complete original cotton twill, carry sling secured through iron loops. Brown canteen cover is good condition but exhibits spots of thinning and wear along the rings with light surface grime and stains. It has also split at the seam around much of the perimeter of the canteen, but this does not detract from the aesthetic appeal of the canteen as the fabric sits flat.
Pewter spout was maker marked but it has faded due to wear and time. The bullseye-pattern with its series 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 the damp or wet cover.
Contracts immediately following 1863 called for the full name of the contractor to be placed upon the canteen. To take marking one step further, beginning 8 May 1864 the QMD began requiring the full name of the contractor, along with the contract date, to be placed on all items of clothing and equipage received. Canteens were no exception, as the numerous dated, late War examples found today will attest. The collector should remember that if a date exists and is unreadable, the canteen dates from either 1864 or 1865.
For the collector seeking a fine original early Civil War artifact, this canteen accoutrement would make an ideal addition to any grouping.
This early production canteen exhibits eight reinforcing rings extruded on each side, and is wrapped in a dark brown, canvas twill covering that has faded to a mellow brown. Canteen retains its complete original cotton twill, carry sling secured through iron loops. Brown canteen cover is good condition but exhibits spots of thinning and wear along the rings with light surface grime and stains. It has also split at the seam around much of the perimeter of the canteen, but this does not detract from the aesthetic appeal of the canteen as the fabric sits flat.
Pewter spout was maker marked but it has faded due to wear and time. The bullseye-pattern with its series 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 the damp or wet cover.
Contracts immediately following 1863 called for the full name of the contractor to be placed upon the canteen. To take marking one step further, beginning 8 May 1864 the QMD began requiring the full name of the contractor, along with the contract date, to be placed on all items of clothing and equipage received. Canteens were no exception, as the numerous dated, late War examples found today will attest. The collector should remember that if a date exists and is unreadable, the canteen dates from either 1864 or 1865.
For the collector seeking a fine original early Civil War artifact, this canteen accoutrement would make an ideal addition to any grouping.
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