Original Items: Only One Lot of 4 Available. The period from the early 1870s to the early 1880s is characterized by a considerable lack of uniformity in army clothing, particularly the field uniform. A look at period photographs reveals that even within the same company as many as four different patterns and several variations of uniform were in use at the same time.

At the end of the Civil War, the Army Quartermaster Department had large quantities of uniforms and equipment on hand. Enough it seemed, to last for many years to come. By 1871, however, the Army faced a crisis as stocks of the most needed sizes were becoming depleted. Congress, through the Secretary of War, was made aware of the problem and authorized budget expenditures for the acquisition of new clothing and accouterments beginning in Fiscal Year 1872. Taking advantage of the situation the Army decided to make significant changes based upon field experience and recommendations.

The Items In This Lot:
- U.S. Marked M1878 Canteen: This is an excellent eye catching example of a U.S. M1878 Canteen with a tan canvas cover with a very clear U.S. stencil on the front, complete with cork and chain hanger. Overall, it is in very good condition. This is one of the early versions of the Model 1878 which were made using remaining stocks of Model 1858 Canteens from the Civil War. The telltale sign of this is the pewter spout of the canteen. Note that this canteen has an early style U.S. stencil, which indicates that this is indeed an Indian War Era version, unlike most M-1878s out there which date from the Spanish-American War era.

There is some denting on the body, and the cover has the expected water stains and wear to the canvas.

- 22nd Infantry Regiment Marked M1878 Canteen With 1910 Dated Cover by RIA: This is an excellent eye catching example of a service worn U.S. M1878 Canteen with a tan canvas cover with a very clear U.S. stencil on the front, complete with cork and chain hanger. Overall, it is in very good condition. This is one of the early versions of the Model 1878 which were made using remaining stocks of Model 1858 Canteens from the Civil War. The telltale sign of this is the pewter spout of the canteen. Note that this canteen has an early style U.S. stencil, which indicates that this is indeed an Indian War Era version, unlike most M-1878s out there which date from the Spanish-American War era.

There is some denting on the body, and the cover has the expected water stains and wear to the canvas.

- 1st Pattern M1874 .45/70 McKeever Cartridge Box: This is a lovely first pattern Model 1874 “McKeever” cartridge box. It is in solid condition but is unfortunately missing the entire interior round slots and canvas flaps. Black leather box “hinged” at the bottom with a brass rod. Leather closure tab fastens to brass finial on the top. Two narrow belt loops sewn and riveted to the back. “U.S.” stamped within an oval in the center of the front flap. Canvas loops would’ve held 10 .45-70 cartridges sewn to each half (20 rounds total) for a trapdoor longarm. Stitching remains strong and tight. Black leather exterior has some wear and flaking.

- 2nd Pattern WWI Era M1902 McKeever Cartridge Box for .30cal Krag and Springfield Cartridges: This is a very nice M1902 "McKeever" style cartridge box, based on the M1874 box for the Springfield Trapdoor Rifle in .45/70 Government Caliber. It was a well-liked design, so after the U.S. Army Adopted the Springfield Krag–Jørgensen in .30-40, they made a new version for the smaller .30 caliber cartridge. As the bullet diameter and case size were similar to the new Springfield .30-03 and .30-06, the pouches continued to be used during the Pre-WWI years, and even in WWI during training.

This example is complete and in very good condition. Brown leather box “hinged” at the bottom with a brass rod. Leather closure tab fastens to brass finial on the top. Tab is complete and unbroken, though it does have some cracking and verdigris. Two narrow belt loops sewn and riveted to the back. “U.S.” stamped within an oval in center of front flap. Canvas loops to hold ten .30cal cartridges sewn to each half (20 rounds total) for a Krag or Springfield longarm. There is also a space on the side for a ruptured cartridge extractor. Stitching remains strong and tight.

A lovely set of items ready for further research and display.