Description
This is a fine example of a totally untouched Confederate Civil War canteen fresh from a North Carolina location! Wartime necessity revived an old school design of using carved wood, (generally cherrywood or cedar wood) for carrying water. Secured by two riveted metal bands and three tin strap loops to hold the canteens sling in place. Using the barrel and wheel making technology had changed little from the days of the 1700’s and the South would use any means necessary to supply there troops with the necessities they needed to survive.
This gem measures about 7 1/4″ in diameter and has a thickness of 2 3/8″, as most do. As with most, the spout and carrying sling are no longer present. As the wood dried it would shrink, often causing the spout to fall out. The simple cotton slings which were on most just rotted away or were removed and discarded.
It looks like someone began to carve “John” in the face on one side, but they didn’t get past the partial “H.”
If you want a super honest and original example that has never been messed with, you have found it!
