RARE - Revolutionary War Keg/Canteen, from the Neumann & Kravic collection

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Revolutionary War Military Wooden Water Keg (Canteen). It measures 8 1/4” long and the oval ends have a diameter of 6 1/2” x 5”. It has two metal bands and the original wooden stopper.

This is from the Frank Kravic collection, co-author of “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”. It has the typical, red-lined tag that he used, stating “REV. WAR / AMERICAN / IRON BANDED / EGG SHAPED / WAGON CANTEEN / EX. N.K. [NEUMANN KRAVIC] COLLECTION”.

Revolutionary War Era Army and/or Militia Soldiers would be required to bring a portable water canteen when reporting for duty. There is a “caricature drawing” done in 1777 of a Revolutionary War soldier carrying a smaller size, but similar keg (see pictures).

This canteen is in nice condition for its age and very solid. I discuss these early canteens in the beginning of my book “The Civil War Canteen – Third Edition”. In the “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann & Kravic, there are similar examples of this canteen (see pictures).

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, interest in the Revolutionary War and its relics are significantly increasing. This renewed enthusiasm is driving the demand for virtually all Revolutionary War artifacts, further contributing to their scarcity and rising prices.

I am witnessing a notable uptick in purchases of these items, which reflects the growing celebrations for the anniversary and the heightened value of Revolutionary War memorabilia.