Civil War Confederate Gardner Canteen, struck by pistol bullet

Wooden Confederate canteens have always been rare and sought out by collectors. This cedar drum canteen is in great condition and has a very unique feature of being struck by a bullet. It is a Confederate Gardner pattern, being manufactured by the Confederacy during the War. It measures 7 ½” wide x 2 ¼”, having two iron bands and the three iron sling loops (no cork or spout, very few survived with them).

Near the center of the canteen is a round bullet hole, which appeared to be struck by a .36 caliber pistol bullet. The wood, along with the water, prevented it from going through the other side. The verbal history of this canteen is that the soldier got the bullet out, cut off the point, and used the remainer to plug the hole. An exact bullet that was used is included – it matches the size of the hole. Overall, this canteen is in very nice condition. I show and discuss these canteens and others in my book “The Civil War Canteen – Third Edition”, (see pictures).