Civil War Soldier’s Wicker-covered Flask, as in Gettysburg Museum

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Civil War Wicker-covered Whiskey Flask. It measures approximately 7” x 3 ½” and the original cork remains in the top of the bottle. Originally it would have had four small wicker sling loops for a narrow cord, one still remains.

During the Civil War many soldiers were known for their drinking when the opportunity presented itself – there are stories of high-ranking officers who were intoxicated while leading their troops in battle. In my recent book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I go into more detail about the habits (good and bad) of the common soldier.

Smaller than the typical whiskey bottles, flasks such as this were popular with soldiers; they could conceal them in their jacket pocket or haversack. There are examples of wicker flasks in the Gettysburg National Battlefield Museum and I also have one pictured in my book (see pictures). There is yet another displayed at the Civil War Medical Museum in Frederick, Maryland (see pictures). This flask is in great condition and would be an excellent addition to any Civil War collection.