This is a Model 1858 Smoothside canteen from the Civil War era. This model was the standard issue canteen for the Union Army during the American Civil War. The Model 1858 was designed specifically for the US Quastermaster Department. They were easily produced, using stamping dies to press out two halves. This meant that there was only one seem to join, making this canteen less prone to leaking. They were issued with a wool cloth cover and a twilled cotton strap. The wool cover helped reduce the noise of sloshing water while the soldier was on the move and when dipped in water, helped keep the contents of the canteen cool. This particular one is a late war production, as evidenced by the makers name on the pewter spout. Stamped vertically on the side of the spout is the name A. Jewett. Albert Jewett was a contractor for the war department and supplied a variety of items to the Union Army, among them canteens. His company was awarded a contract for 100,000 canteens on 26 August, 1863, 175,000 on 22 February, 1864 and a final contract for 200,000 on 2 August, 1864. In total, there were 1,991,460 regulation canteens ordered by the New York Depot during the war. It was during the final contract awarded to Jewett that his canteens were marked, meaning this one was made in late 1864. The twilled cotton sling is no longer with this one, but the original stopper with the cork and chain are still reporting for duty! All three sling guides are in good condition. The wool cover is intact, but does show some areas of repair along the seam. These canteens were highly sought after by Confederate soldiers. Of all the equipment carried by both sides, this is the thing the soldier did not want to be without.

Item # AA1069

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