Original Civil War Ambulance Keg, as seen in museums and books

This is a rare piece being offered, it is an original Civil War Ambulance Keg, which would have been one of several carried on the underside or back of the horse-drawn ambulance. It measures 20 ½” x 8”, has iron stabilizing legs, carrying handle, six metal bands, a brass screw cap on top for filling, and a brass pour spout on the end.

After a battle, and sometimes during a battle, the ambulance would get as close as possible to the wounded to bring them to the rear for treatment. Often, field musicians would operate the ambulance. Many battles were fought in the humid Southern states during the spring and summer months, and the injured and bleeding men were often parched from dehydration through blood loss just craving for some water. A simple cup of water was a tremendous act of last mercy to men who were soon to die.

A keg of this same design can be found on page 81 of Dr. Gordon Dammann's book "Civil War Medical Instruments & Equipment, Volume III" (see pictures). Also, in the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, there are examples of this keg on the back of an ambulance (see pictures).

The keg is made of oak staves held together by the metal bands, but as typical with old wood, there is shrinkage, which will start to loosen up around the bands. One end appears caved in a little and glue was added to stabilize it (if desired, a better fix could be done). However, relics like this are for display and this one makes an excellent example. In my personal collection and in my book “The Civil War Canteen – Third Edition”, I show an ambulance keg (see pictures). Overall, a solid piece and would make a great addition to any Civil War or Medical collection.