Here is a handsome, maker-marked, Civil War specimen of the Model 1858 'Bullseye' pattern tin canteen in very good condition. Often referred to as a Philadelphia Depot-style 'corrugated' canteen, these were issued to all Union troops in the field from July 1862 until the war's end. The canteen exhibits seven reinforcing rings extruded on each side and is wrapped in a dark brown, coarse wool covering that has faded to a mellow gray.

Artifact retains a small 9" section of its original cotton carry sling attached to one of the iron sling bands, but it is missing the cork stopper and iron pull ring. The canteen's wool cover is very strong, tight and intact but exhibits one small spot of wear-through. Both sides have a mild depression usually made by the soldier himself for ease when marching or riding. The bullseye-pattern with its series of concentric rings began in 1861 as an effort to increase the durability of canteen equipment.

Fluid capacity of the canteen was three pints and its liquid contents were kept cool by means of the damp or wet wool cover. Canteen consists of two circular sections of pressed-tin, formed in an oblate spheroid pattern and soldered together at the rim. The Philadelphia Depot produced over 1,500,000 such 'corrugated' canteens for the Federal US Army. The cotton shoulder strap remnant is ½" wide and is looped through a top band and tied in a knot, possibly for use on a cavalryman's saddle.

For the collector seeking an original Civil War artifact, this canteen accoutrement would make an ideal addition to any grouping.

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