Corks

[TheJohnnyReb1861]

Hello, I was wondering about historical methods for keeping corks from drying up? Were they waxed, oil, or something else. Any help is wonderful, thank you and God bless

 

[RedRover]

From 1906:

 

[TheJohnnyReb1861]

From 1906:

View attachment 575388

Thats quite neat. Never would have thought. Another question though. Were there any field solutions, and what do reenactors usually do?

 

[RedRover]

Thats quite neat. Never would have thought. Another question though. Were there any field solutions, and what do reenactors usually do?

I would hazard if one's canteen was in bad order, they would discard it and pick up another, particularly off the side of the road, etc. etc.

John Billing's says the men in the Union service went through equipment quickly...

Billings says after each campaign, lost clothing and equipment was replaced by the Quartermasters.



As for modern reenactors...

Replacement corks are sold at the Sutleries at Civil War reenactments.

 

[TheJohnnyReb1861]

I would hazard if one's canteen was in bad order, they would discard it and pick up another, particularly off the side of the road, etc. etc.

View attachment 575403

View attachment 575404

John Billing's says the men in the Union service went through equipment quickly...

View attachment 575405
View attachment 575406

Billings says after each campaign, lost clothing and equipment was replaced by the Quartermasters.



As for modern reenactors...

Replacement corks are sold at the Sutleries at Civil War reenactments.

Thank you for the in depth reply

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

As a reenactor, I keep corks until I loose them, which can be 10 years or more!
At events, I keep my canteen full, so the cork stays wet. When not in use, I "wick" out my canteen then put it away in a tote until the next event (which could be every 2-4 weeks, or 6 months at the end of the season). I've never had a cork go "bad". Even corks for my period correct whiskey bottles don't go bad.
Maybe I am just lucky!

 

[TheJohnnyReb1861]

As a reenactor, I keep corks until I loose them, which can be 10 years or more!
At events, I keep my canteen full, so the cork stays wet. When not in use, I "wick" out my canteen then put it away in a tote until the next event (which could be every 2-4 weeks, or 6 months at the end of the season). I've never had a cork go "bad". Even corks for my period correct whiskey bottles don't go bad.
Maybe I am just lucky!

maybe the corks I had weren't the greatest. I had mine dry out and then I replaced it with a whiskey cork and it dried too. So I just figured it was a problem across the board and was wondering if there were any historical methods. How do you wick your canteen?

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

maybe the corks I had weren't the greatest. I had mine dry out and then I replaced it with a whiskey cork and it dried too. So I just figured it was a problem across the board and was wondering if there were any historical methods. How do you wick your canteen?

After an event, I empty the canteen, then roll up a paper towel and insert into the canteen, leaving enough of it hanging out so I can remove it. Then, I turn the canteen upside down and let it rest overnight or longer. The paper towel will then "wick" out any moisture.
I wish I knew why my corks don't dry out!

 

[Dan Kohli]

Generally my Corks will swell back up when introduced again to water.

 

[TheJohnnyReb1861]

After an event, I empty the canteen, then roll up a paper towel and insert into the canteen, leaving enough of it hanging out so I can remove it. Then, I turn the canteen upside down and let it rest overnight or longer. The paper towel will then "wick" out any moisture.
I wish I knew why my corks don't dry out!

Thank you for the help. Its probably a personal problem for me rather than a universal one.

 

[Old Soldier]

There are plastic stoppers ('corks') which can be used. Not terribly authentic, but more practical for 'occasional' use. Top one withreal cork for a better 'look'.

Natural ”plastic cork”? | BKWine Magazine |

Nomacorc will soon launch an alternative cork that is made with plant based polymers instead of oil based

www.bkwine.com

Try Amazon!!

 

[captaindrew]

Thank you for the help. Its probably a personal problem for me rather than a universal one.

What's your issue specifically? Is your spout dripping? Your cork falling out? As already said the cork should swell back once wet again. Maybe you had a poorly fitted stopper to begin with. Where did you get your canteen? They certainly aren't created equal. If you keep having problems next time you're at an event with suttlers keep an eye out for replacement stoppers. Try a few out to make sure you get one that fits good. That should fix it.

 

[TheJohnnyReb1861]

What's your issue specifically? Is your spout dripping? Your cork falling out? As already said the cork should swell back once wet again. Maybe you had a poorly fitted stopper to begin with. Where did you get your canteen? They certainly aren't created equal. If you keep having problems next time you're at an event with suttlers keep an eye out for replacement stoppers. Try a few out to make sure you get one that fits good. That should fix it.

My cork had shrunk to a noticeable degree. It had darkened as well and just looked like it had gone bad. I was also usually the canteen pretty often. The canteen and accoutrements were the most accurate or authentic though. I was naive and got it from c&c

 

[captaindrew]

My cork had shrunk to a noticeable degree. It had darkened as well and just looked like it had gone bad. I was also usually the canteen pretty often. The canteen and accoutrements were the most accurate or authentic though. I was naive and got it from c&c

Well I think you started out with a bad one, that shouldn't happen.. If the canteen is otherwise ok, no leaking or excessive rust, your easiest and least expensive fix is get a new stopper. Regimental Quartermaster has them for 9.95, I just looked. In the long run consider upgrading to a better quality canteen. Reach out here to @iron bender or buy from a vendor that sells Ulrich canteens.

 

[iron bender]

Well I think you started out with a bad one, that shouldn't happen.. If the canteen is otherwise ok, no leaking or excessive rust, your easiest and least expensive fix is get a new stopper. Regimental Quartermaster has them for 9.95, I just looked. In the long run consider upgrading to a better quality canteen. Reach out here to @iron bender or buy from a vendor that sells Ulrich canteens.

Many vendors carry Ulrich canteens. I don't think you can buy a better product. Button Baron, S&S, Wambaugh, etc