Original Item: Only One Available. This early “Eagle Snap” canteen cover is marked to company E of the 108th New York Infantry with the unit marking still easily recognizable on the front face of the cover. On the inside ride flap, R.I.A. 1915 can be found clearly stamped indicating that this cover was produced by the Rock Island Armory in the United States in 1915. The cover is missing the left button catch, the one on the right is present and functional, as well as both eagle snaps on the front flaps, both of which are in good condition. The stitching for the webbing on the back appears to have been field repaired with black thread and the brass hanger is still present in excellent condition with minor wear. The canvas cover has some staining on the bottom which is expected due to its use and age, there are no significant tears or holes in it. On the inside, the wool lining is stained and has no significant or noticeable damage to it.

The M1910 canteen is an early produced “spun” example meaning it has no seams. The cap and cap retaining ring around the neck is different from later produced 1910 canteens. From what we can find, it seems to be manufactured some time between early 1913 to 1915. This example has the “improved” neck ring design first introduced by Rock Island Arsenal in 1913. There are no maker marks visible on the canteen but is believed to have been produced by the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Co. Given it’s frequent use, the condition of the canteen is good, displaying the usual small dents and scratches to the body. The chain is still complete and attached to both the neck ring and top of the cap in serviceable condition.

NOTE: There is no canteen cup with this set

This set would be perfect in any WWI or Mexican campaign collections!

The 108th Infantry Regiment, formerly the 3rd New York Infantry was a National Guard Regiment that saw action in a number of conflicts, including the Civil War, the Mexican Border dispute of 1916, World War I, and World War II. For service in WWI, the 3rd New York Infantry officially became the 108th Infantry and along with the 107th Infantry, was placed in the 27th Division’s 54th Brigade. It was brought up to strength by transfers from the old 74th New York Infantry. At the commencement of active fighting, the 108th had a total effective strength of 3,056 officers and men, making it the largest regiment in the 27th Division. The 108th shipped out to Europe in May of 1918 and was placed in the East Poperinghe Line with the rest of the 27th Division, to serve as a reserve unit.

On July 25th 1918 the 27th division was slowly rotated into the front line in relief of the British 6th Division. On August 31st 1918, operations of the Ypres-Lys Offensive began in an attempt to remove the Germans from the Dickebusch/Scherpenberg area. On September 3rd 1918 the Germans withdrew from the area, marking the successful completion of the Ypres-Lys Offensive. From September 24th to October 21st 1918 the 108th participated with the rest of the 27th Division in the successful Somme Offensive, which was an attempt to pierce the German’s Hindenburg defensive line. The 108th was involved in some of the heaviest fighting along with the 107th and sustained some of the highest casualties of the Somme offensive, though its movements were instrumental in breaking the Hindenburg Line at Quennemont Ferme. On October 21st 1918 the entire division was relieved. By March 19th 1919 the division had returned in full to the states where it was quickly mustered out.

During its service in World War I, the 108th sustained 1,763 casualties including 1,432 wounded, 256 killed, and 75 who later died of their wounds.