This is an early war Philadelphia Depot made canteen from the American Civil War. This one appears to be an early Philadelphia Depot contract, circa 1861/1862. It has the original brown jean wool brown cover, though it does show some significant wear. The stitching is broken on one side, but it has been on the canteen so long that it still holds it's shape. There are a couple of small rips near the top of the cover, but I think it just adds character to this essential piece of equipment that all soldiers carried! The pewter spout is unmarked and has a larger lip. The original stopper is still present, and is secured by a metal chain attached to one of the sling guides. The cork stopper is approximately 1 1/4" and has a small tin disc on the top and a tinned iron screw nut on the bottom. The three sling guides are present, and measure 5/8" across. Even though it shows signs of hard use, this canteen is solid. No matter which side of the big conflict you were on, everybody carried one of these. Next to your weapon and cartridge box, this piece of gear was the most important thing you carried into battle.

Item # AA914

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