Very early “Cheesebox” canteen identified with carved initials (SOLD,EB)

This is another great early canteen being offered. It is a “Cheesebox” canteen, possibly maple, with a diameter of 6 ½” and 2 ½” wide, circa 1775 – 1810. It is rosehead and early wrought nail construction. There are no signs that it was ever painted, and carved into the side are the soldier’s initials “J x S”.

The term “Cheesebox” is NOT a period term This style of Three Piece Wood Canteen was used by American troops from the 2nd half of the 18th Century to the first half of the 19th Century. They are often referred to as War of 1812 canteens, but that is not always the case.

Although extant canteens with a given provenance suggest that this style of Canteen was used primarily by troops from the Northern Colonies, particularly New England, their use by other troops cannot be definitively ruled out. I show three cheesebox canteens which were dated and identified to soldiers in the Revolutionary War (see pictures). There are even examples that were brought from home by soldiers when enlisting in the Civil War.

Also, in my book “The Civil War Canteen – Third Edition”, I also show some of these early canteens (see pictures). It is in nice condition, only showing the signs expected for its age, but it is still tight. This would make a nice addition to just about any early military collection.