Here is a pleasing and handsome example of a Confederate wooden drum canteen to surface in a while. As with most wood drum canteens produced during the war, this circular specimen appears to be made of cedar or cherry wood and measures 7” in diameter by 2¼” wide.  Typical of the canteens carried by many Southern soldiers during the Civil War, this ‘Johnny’ canteen is simple and well constructed and retains its original short leather carry sling. Canteen has a reproduction pour spout.  Still visible on each face are the circular lathe marks left by the machine cutting tool.  In addition, there are several markings lightly carved into the surface that appear to be initials (indecipherable) along with simple scribe marks, including a five-point star. 

Two circular iron bands, each 3/8” wide, encompass the canteen’s outer edges and serve as clamps with each band overlapped and held in place with a single small iron rivet. Equal distance apart on the exterior width of this canteen are three, narrow-shaped, iron sling loops that wrap into the circular iron bands. Loops secure a short, narrow length of leather that acts like a sling.  These short slings are most indicative of cavalry use as the canteen was hung on the cavalryman’s saddle. Canteen exhibits a nicely turned reproduction wooden spout and also features a period, 5½” long horizontal crack from rim to rim on one face. Artifact is a most attractive wooden drum canteen with an acquired smooth and mellow dark cherry coloring. Wooden sides bear remnants of a very thin layer of varnish. An excellent opportunity to own an original Confederate canteen at a reasonable price.