This Civil War artifact is a fine example of a twilled jean cloth Federal Model 1858 smoothside canteen by the Philadelphia Depot as was issued to Union troops early in the war.   One of the most important accoutrements of any soldier’s gear, outside his weapon, was his canteen.  The M1858 canteen is in super condition and has two circular sections of pressed tin formed to an oblate spheroid pattern soldered together along the rim.  Canteen retains its original, brown wool covering in excellent original condition without tears, rips or holes so prevalent on these items.  Hand stitching is tight and sound with no seam fraying.

The body of the canteen is strong and remarkably, has just a quarter-size depression on one side. Pewter spout has no maker’s marks but does show three, small initials “W P C” hand-carved into the spout. Spaced along the rim are three iron loops that secure the cotton twill sling or strap.  Folded and sewn shoulder strap is original with no maker’s stamp but does show its share of surface grime.  Not edge frayed or torn as in most cotton slings.  Canteen retains its original iron pull ring, but part of the cork is missing in the Philadelphia-style stopper, and its length of doubled cotton twine.  This canteen specimen appears on page 116 of Mike O’Donnell’s canteen book “US ARMY & MILITIA CANTEENS 1775-1910.” A fine artifact and true survivor of the war.