Original Item. Only One Available. This is a rare example of an early Indian War Period M-1874 Canteen with original cotton web sling. Very few of these canteens were initially made, and even fewer survived. This should not be confused with the far more common Model 1878 Canteens. Which saw service into the Spanish-American War.

These early Model 1874 Canteens started life as surplus Civil War Model 1858 "smooth side” pattern canteens, which were then converted to the M1874 Canteen specifications. This involved removing the cover, and then usually the three bales were removed, and a cotton web sling with friction buckle was installed. Interestingly, all three bales are retained on this example, but the cover is entirely of the period, with a small leather trim along the seam between the two straps ends.

This pattern is quite rare, and examples with intact canvas shoulder straps are definitely scarce on the market. This is only one of a few that we have ever seen. The shoulder strap is in very good condition, showing just a bit of wear and deterioration from age. The brass buckle definitely has some patination and verdigris present. The front side of the canteen is marked with 3, and the other side is marked with I, possibly for Company I, 3rd Infantry Regiment. 

Overall condition for the canteen is very good with staining on the cover and rust on the exposed metal. The cork stopper still sits snugly in the mouth of the canteen and can be removed and all stitching is still tight and complete. This is a complete canteen, and as far as we can tell there are no missing parts or repairs done to it.

For the Indian Wars collector seeking a very interesting M1874 canteen that started life as a genuine U.S. Civil War Issue. Ready to research and display!