This scarce Civil War Signal Corps canteen was used to carry fuel (“turpentine or other burning fluid’) for the special torches used in night signaling, and was part of the “regulation equipments” or “signal apparatus” every signal officer was presumed to have. These were made of copper and brass, likely to avoid sparks, were to hold one gallon, and could be refilled from a 5-gallon “service can” that was also part of the equipment. They are heavy-weight construction and made of two pieces with a single seam running around the edge, and had four brackets through which ran a wide, adjustable leather sling. The tall spout is in place, narrows at the top and is closed by a screw cap, retained by chain. The base of the spout is covered by a collar notched at the sides to fit over the seam running around the middle of the canteen’s edge. This collar has come loose, but is still present and could be reattached. This does not affect the spout or its join to the body. All four brackets are in place and secure. The canteen shows a medium aged patina with some lighter spots from handling, and just a few small dings. The wide leather strap fastens with a simple roller buckle with a single tongue and a retaining loop. There is a short leather billet riveted in place on the strap to create a loop, possibly to hold the pliers or small funnel that were part of the gear as well. The leather shows scattered crazing and flaking to the finish, but is solid and has not been polished or treated with any dressing or preservatives.    [sr] [ph:L]

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