Identified Confederate Tin “Drum” Canteen with Inscribed Cover / SOLD

Description

Identified Confederate Tin “Drum” Canteen with Inscribed Cover

 

Civil War Period, c. 1861–1865

An exceptional and unquestionably authentic Confederate tin drum canteen, measuring approximately 6 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick, of notably heavy construction. The canteen retains its original tin spout and is covered in two distinct layers of coarse brown wool, a feature seen on higher-grade Southern-made or early-war examples.

 

Several small openings—approximately ½ inch in diameter—are present on the exterior wool covering. These clearly expose the intact inner wool layer beneath and are consistent with field wear and prolonged use, rather than insect damage. The remainder of the cover is remarkably well preserved, exhibiting only honest age, surface wear, and the deep patina expected of a wartime Confederate accoutrement.

 

The canteen is fitted with three original sling loops, which have been cut open in period to allow access beneath the cover—an expedient modification encountered on Confederate canteens—and subsequently covered again by the wool wrapping.

 

Most compelling is the hand-stitched inscription across the front face, reading:

“T. Bush”

While the commonality of the name precludes a firm soldier identification, the stitching is unquestionably period-applied, executed through the wool covering in the manner frequently observed on Southern canteens and haversacks. Such named Confederate canteens are significantly scarcer than their Union counterparts and are rarely encountered in this state of preservation.

 

A superb, untouched example of a Confederate drum canteen, combining desirable, and wartime stitched name—a truly outstanding Southern accoutrement.

 

Inventory Number: CON 646