Early Tin Canteen with leather strap, possibly Confederate used

Being offered is a smaller size tin canteen. It measures 5” x 5 ½” x 2 ½” with convex sides and two narrow sling keepers; it would hold about a pint of water. It has an all tin construction with soldered seams and brackets, and the original leather strap remains. Being short it may indicate that it was used by a Cavalryman. The tag was probably an inventory number.

This canteen surfaced over thirty years ago at an estate sale in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Accompanying this canteen at the sale was a Virginia manufactory flintlock musket. The size and style of this canteen was popular during the War of 1812. However, especially with the Confederacy, they were used early in the Civil War.

In my book “The Civil War Canteen – Third Edition”, I show and discuss these canteens (see pictures). The canteen is in nice condition, and although the sling is a little stiff, it is still slightly flexible. This would make a great addition to just any early collection.