Model 1858 canteen

[Tim Hynes]

Hello.
I have a really nice M1858 New York depot canteen that I bought way back in 1985, (at age 15, when I should have been scoring Van Halen tickets ) But it wasn't until a little later on that I realized that the chain for the stopper was post war. So I have been trying to find info regarding whether or not this was a Civil War used canteen, with the chain replaced later (the brass chain is actually attached via an old wire to the stopper ring), or a surplus canteen that was only unpacked for post CW use. There are no markings on the canteen, either on the sling, or spout. There are faint stencil markings on one side, but only a "J" can be read. Pretty good condition, but I am really only interested in items that at least had an opportunity to have been used in the Civil War. The post war chain was a bummer to find out later, especially since I never did get to see Van Halen.

Thanks for any info.

 

[captaindrew]

The canteen looks legit but I've never seen a chain attached like that, maybe it was a personal repair. @Package4 would be the one to ask, curious to what he thinks myself.

 

[Salterr]

The canteen looks legit but I've never seen a chain attached like that, maybe it was a personal repair. @Package4 would be the one to ask, curious to what he thinks myself.

That's a post war stopper with chain but that sure is a nice canteen.

 

[Salterr]

It's hard to say whether it was actually physically used I'd say. The cover is near perfect and the sling doesn't seem to be shortened or tied into a knot like cavalry members were known to do. The stenciling would make me think it was issued but if it was you'd expect to see wear on at least one side where it rubbed against the uniform and other equipment on long marches. Canteens converted for post war were covered with a canvas and the sling was changed. Later versions also include removing the bottom bracket and adding triangular swivels to the top and a leather sling. It definitely escaped conversion so I doubt it was used post war. If it was used it was extremely well taken care of.

 

[Package4]

Considering that this is an early war NY Depot canteen, there is a very good chance this was issued and used during the war. The lack of wear is not very concerning, the typical way canteens were worn by infantry would not necessarily show, particularly if the unit was early war.

The strap looks to have been shortened for period use, but should be checked to make sure the threads are all cotton (black light may be employed) and not synthetic.

As has been previously stated, the neck ring is an IW adaptation and post war.

Very nice piece, by the way!

 

[east_beast]

That cover is in remarkable condition.

Here's mine, but it's the bullseye model:

 

[Package4]

Hello.
I have a really nice M1858 New York depot canteen that I bought way back in 1985, (at age 15, when I should have been scoring Van Halen tickets ) But it wasn't until a little later on that I realized that the chain for the stopper was post war. So I have been trying to find info regarding whether or not this was a Civil War used canteen, with the chain replaced later (the brass chain is actually attached via an old wire to the stopper ring), or a surplus canteen that was only unpacked for post CW use. There are no markings on the canteen, either on the sling, or spout. There are faint stencil markings on one side, but only a "J" can be read. Pretty good condition, but I am really only interested in items that at least had an opportunity to have been used in the Civil War. The post war chain was a bummer to find out later, especially since I never did get to see Van Halen.

Thanks for any info.

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You might try different types of light on the side with the stenciling and see if you can make out a unit. LED, fluorescent, black light and incandescent

 

[Tim Hynes]

You might try different types of light on the side with the stenciling and see if you can make out a unit. LED, fluorescent, black light and incandescent

That's a good idea. I did upload a photo of the stencil into Photoshop to see if one of the filters could maybe make it stand out a little more, but not much luck.