Half of a Copper Canteen used as an eating plate, dug Virginia

This is a very unique item being offered, it is half of a copper canteen which was fashioned into an eating plate with a diameter of approximately 7”. In the center of the plate is a tiny hole, not sure how it got there, but was there when dug. This plate was recovered many years ago at Charles City Courthouse, Virginia.

This is where Grant's army passed on its way to the river in June 1864. One of Virginia's important colonial courthouses built in the early 1730's. The courthouse was the scene of considerable fighting during the Civil War because of its strategic location along the James River between Richmond and Williamsburg (see period map).

A popular practice during the Civil War was splitting a canteen into two eating plates. Then they would be hammered into a bowl shape. This was done out of necessity because of supply issues, more common with Confederate soldiers. In my book “The War Canteen – Third Edition”, I discuss this practice and show examples. Copper canteens were very rare, so I image this one was altered because it was damaged and had no further use. It is a nice solid piece, and it remains just how it came out of the ground. It would make a great addition to a Civil War soldier’s display.