Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. While the Continental Forces certainly preferred lightweight tin water vessels like those carried by the British soldier, stocks of that metal dried up even before the Revolution was a year old as the British blockade of American seaports tightened. By the spring of 1776, with the summer campaign ahead, the availability of canteens of any kind was essentially gone and Congress turned to the production of wooden canteens to issue its troops. Of course wood was abundant in America and the only metal the colonies could produce, iron, was far too heavy to use for this purpose. Two styles emerged: the “drum” and “cheesebox.” Even with rushed production efforts, the army remained urgently in need of canteens through that summer. It was not until well into 1777 that production had finally reached a point where the Continental Army was able to fulfill the needs of its rank and file and actually begin building up a stockpile. However, even with an improving system of supply, the availability of canteens varied throughout the war.

This is an outstanding example of an iron band wood drum canteen that dates around the 1790s-1810s period, with gorgeous original red milk paint across, and the original leather carrying sling. Additionally, one side of the canteen is stamped with the name D. COSSAR, which appears to be for the maker who made this canteen for the Army.

The canteen measures 6 7/8” in diameter and is 2 7/8” wide, a great displayable size. It is extremely rare to find a canteen from this period with its original sling complete. There is heavy rubbing to the sling, which is connected via two rivets at the bottom, and held to the canteen by three iron loops.

The paint retention is excellent overall, but does not have a cork, though one could be found for it.

A fantastic example of a War of 1812 Era wooden canteen with a gorgeous maker’s mark. These are almost impossible to find with such markings, making this an exceedingly scarce example. Comes ready for further research and display.