Original Item: Only One Available. Prior to 1858, canteens were made of wood or tin and came in a variety of forms and sizes. The two most prominent ones used were the “barrel type” like this one which is made of wood with side slats like a barrel, and the “cheesebox” type made of wood with a single wrap around the side.

This is a lovely example of a Civil War, Confederate States of America manufactured wooden drum canteen of the Gardner Pattern. It measures almost 7 1/4" in diameter and is 2 3/8" wide. We believe the wood species used for construction is cherry wood, and has an overall dark cherry color over a majority of the surface. The circumference of the body consists of 14 tight fitting sections of wood, held firmly to the sides by two iron bands. The bands are each ⅜” wide and held in place by a single iron rivet. All of the three iron sling guides are still present. The bands and sling guides have a matching plum patina. The spout is missing, which is common with these canteens. This example retains its original canvas carrying strap which has a knot repair. The strap is clearly hand-cut and hand-stitched and is a fantastic addition. The back of the canteen is marked with a set of soldiers' initials, JRB.

The canteen is in excellent condition for its age. There are the expected chips, scratches and nicks present in the wood but nothing too damaging or significant. The wood slats are still relatively tight with very little movement present, but there are one or two which are a bit loose.

This is an incredibly rare canteen and is offered in exceptional condition. Comes ready for further research and display.