Here is a pleasing, fine-looking specimen of the Federal Model 1858 corrugated ‘Bullseye’ pattern tin canteen in excellent original condition. Issued to all Union troops in the field, the example comes complete with the desirable bright blue kersey wool covering, cork stopper, iron pull ring, link chain, and cotton carry sling. The bullseye pattern 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 a damp or wet wool cover. This cover, made of original, sky-blue kersey material, is fitted in pieces and handsewn along the canteen seams. The blue cover exhibits a number of small and medium sized (¼” dia) moth nips / holes overall but is in quite strong and tight condition.

Canteen consists of two circular sections of pressed-tin, formed in an oblate spheroid pattern and soldered together at the rim. Pewter spout is stamped with a difficult to discern maker mark but appears to be Rohman. Joseph Hall Rohrman, originally an ornamental japanner, obtained large, US Army contracts for 60,000 ‘corrugated’ canteens in August 1863 and for 100,000 items the following October. In 1864 alone, Rohrman’s army contracts totaled some 350,000 canteens. The iron pull ring is intact and the cork stopper is complete. Once white, the linen carrying strap has turned to a mottled, beige color and exhibits some fraying along the edges, as well as showing one or two weak or thin spots. Sling has cut into two parts and is tied together with a single knot.

This complete ‘Bullseye’ pattern canteen is a fine example of what the Civil War soldier carried on his person, day in and day out. For the Civil War collector, this canteen makes an ideal accessory to any personal grouping.

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