Revolutionary War Rum Rundlet canteen with soldier’s initials

Recently, I was fortunate to acquire an extensive collection of canteens, rundlets, and flasks. They span a significant period dating from the early 1700s through the Civil War. Among these items are several notable Revolutionary War “Rum Rundlets.”

Being offered is a slightly oval wooden rundlet. It is lathe-turned maple with 8 incised rings. It measures 4 ½” x 3 ½” x 3 ¼” and was made with two holes for the carrying cord (first I’ve seen). On both ends of the rundlet are the initials “Z W”. Also, there is a date written on the perimeter of one ends “1731”, perhaps by a museum or collector. Because of the quality and workmanship, no doubt it belonged to a well-to-do officer.

The rum rundlets used during the Revolutionary War are particularly unique. Unlike the more common, larger canteens, these rundlets were much smaller in size and often resembled miniature kegs. Their compact design set them apart from the more prominent canteens used by the enlisted men.

Revolutionary War officers drank rum, just as soldiers and officers across the class spectrum did. It was a popular and readily available drink that was sometimes given as a ration, used to boost morale, and even consumed in mixed drinks like the "flip" – a hot, frothy cocktail made with rum or brandy, and sweetener like molasses or sugar.

George Washington, for instance, saw Rum as an important morale booster for his troops. Soldiers often received daily rations of alcohol, which was usually rum, though they were supposed to mix it with water to prevent getting intoxicated. There are examples of this rundlet in “The Revolutionary War Museum” and in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures).

In my book “The Civil War Canteen – Third Edition”, I show a couple of these early rundlets (see pictures). I have a few of these Rum Rundlets in my personal collection, but no comparison to the quality and beauty of this example. I also show one of these rundlets that was recently offered for sale online.

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, interest in the Revolutionary War and its relics is 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.