Tin Militia canteen painted gold for a 50th anniversary

This is another great canteen being offered, it is an early 19th century tin Militia Canteen. It has a diameter of 6 1/2” x 5 3/4” wide. It has 2 triangular sling keepers that are soldered in place, and it appears to have its original stopper. The convex sides are very pronounced along with some minor dings and dents.

The entire body of the canteen has been painted gold. This was a common practice to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Civil War and it was often done for the 50th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg. Gold painted canteens were common in GAR and UCV posts – usually donated by the soldiers.

I discuss both gold painted canteens and Militia canteens in my book “The Civil War Canteen – Third Edition” (see pictures). Most Militia units went on to serve in the Civil War – many of these units came from the New England states. It remains in nice solid condition.