This is a Confederate made wooden drum canteen from the Civil War. It measures almost 7 1/2" in diameter and is 2 3/8" wide. This one looks to be made of cherry wood, and has an overall dark cherry color. The circumference of the body is made up of 10 tight fitting sections of wood, held tight to the sides by two iron bands. The bands are 3/8" wide and held in lace by a single iron rivet. All three iron sling guides are still present. The bands and sling guides have a matching plum patina. The spout is missing, seems to be a common trait with these canteens. On one side, lightly scratched into the wood is the name Chauncy Stafford, with the letter n carved backwards. The Civil War database showed only one return for this name. Chauncy Stafford Jr. was a resident of Rowe, Massachuesetts. He was a 22 year old farmer when he enlisted in the Union Army as a private on 8 December, 1863. He mustered into H Company, 34th Massachusetts Infantry. The 34th Massachusetts was organized in the summer of 1862, and spent time in the Washington defenses until 9 July, 1863. The 34th was engaged heavily on 15 May, 1864 at the Battle of New Market, Virginia, suffering 221 casualties. Among the wounded was Private Stafford. He was wounded again on 19 September at Winchester, Virginia. Stafford remained with the 34th until the unit's three year enlistment expired in June of 1865. Private Stafford, along with 171 other men from the 34th, was transferred to the 24th Massachusetts Infantry. He was assigned to G Company, 24th Massachusetts on 16 June, 1865. Stafford survived the war and mustered out of service on 20 January, 1866 at Richmond, Virginia. Sometime during his time in Virginia Chauncy acquired this nice example of a Confederate canteen and took it home to Rowe, Massachusetts as a war trophy. Here is an excellent opportunity to own an iconic piece of Confederate memorabilia.

Item # AA1226

(Sold)