{"product_id":"original-u-s-indian-wars-spanish-american-war-m1878-canteen-with-leather-shoulder-strap-illinois-unit-markings-stamped-u-s","title":"Original U.S. Indian Wars \/ Spanish-American War- M1878 Canteen with Leather Shoulder Strap \u0026 Illinois Unit Markings - Stamped “U.S.”","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting original U.S. Army Model 1878 canteen dating from the Indian Wars and Spanish-American War period, retaining its tan canvas cover, original-style adjustable leather shoulder sling, cork stopper with brass chain, and an unusually extensive group of stenciled markings that may identify it with Company K, 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Spanish-American War era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne side of the canteen is stenciled:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eK\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eU.S.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e4\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd on the other side:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eK\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eILL.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e20\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis may denote issue to Company K, 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which served as part of the U.S. occupation forces in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. This requires some more research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe canteen is complete with its original cork stopper secured to the neck of the canteen by a brass ring and chain, however the cork is now stuck in the canteen and is partially broken off from the top metal piece. We would not recommend forcing the cork out as it will likely break. It also has the proper pattern leather shoulder strap, of the later adjustable style in good condition, but has dried out and cracks and scaling are present in the finish, which is expected. There are some areas of weakness, so please don’t use the sling. There is some moderate denting and oxidation staining as shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry itself was one of the state volunteer regiments called into federal service in 1898. Although it did not reach Cuba until after the principal fighting of the Spanish-American War had ended, it served there as part of the American occupation force, remaining on the island until April 1899.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the markings on the present canteen especially worthy of further study. If K \/ U.S. \/ 4 and K \/ ILL. \/ 20 do represent Company K of the 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the canteen would have a particularly appealing connection to a state volunteer regiment that served during the immediate aftermath of the Spanish-American War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of the U.S. property stencil, repeated Company K marking, Illinois abbreviation, numeral 4, possible equipment number 20, original cork and chain, adjustable leather sling, and extensive honest service wear makes this a particularly interesting late-19th-century U.S. Army canteen. The precise unit attribution remains unconfirmed, but the markings are strongly consistent with possible service in Company K, 4th Illinois Volunteer Infantry and deserve to be preserved exactly as found.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45719601250373,"sku":"ONSV26CNB027","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/FC1AC260-8B4F-4F7B-82EE-B87D138F4C8E.jpg?v=1790480471","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-indian-wars-spanish-american-war-m1878-canteen-with-leather-shoulder-strap-illinois-unit-markings-stamped-u-s","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}