Original U.S. Civil War M-1858 Smooth Side Canteen by J.C. Johnson & Co. Converted to M1878 - 1865 Dated
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine, maker-marked, Civil War example of the Model 1858 "Flat Back" pattern tin canteen, which was then converted to the Spanish-American war style M1878 Canteen specification. This involved removing the cover, and then the three shoulder strap loops were removed, and replaced with the M1878 trianglular bales. It was then re-covered with M1878 Tan fabric, and would have had a sling attached to the bales. The fabric is stenciled U.S. on one side, as most were. The shoulder strap and cork stopper are unfortunately missing, however the chain for the stopper is still present.
Originally, civil war canteens had "ribbed" sides in a bullseye pattern, but to expedite production, this feature was removed, and very common in "New York Depot" canteens. Canteen consists of two circular sections of pressed tin-plated steel, formed in an oblate spheroid pattern and soldered together at the rim. Canteen measures approximately 7 3/4” in diameter, with a fluid capacity of three pints. The cover on this example is quite nice, with the usual stains. There are some dents in the canteen body, which can be felt through the cover.
The side of the spout is marked with the maker and contract date, which is partly obscured by the cover:
J.C. JOHNSON & CO.
FEB.6.65
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.
For the collector seeking a very interesting M1878 canteen that started life as Genuine U.S. Civil War Issue. Ready to research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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