Civil War-Era Kidney-Shaped Medical Canteen

Civil War-Era Kidney-Shaped Medical Canteen - Inventory Number: CAN 192

This rare Civil War-era kidney-shaped medical canteen is a distinctive variant used to hold hot water and act as a heating pad. Crafted from tinned sheet iron, this example features a subtly curved, kidney-like body designed to sit comfortably against the hip. abdomen and ailing limbs.

The canteen measures approximately 6 ½” inches wide with a centrally threaded spout and flat soldered seams. Its smooth, dark patina and minor denting are consistent with age and service. The form is less common than the standard drum or bullseye patterns and is typically associated with non-combat roles, particularly in medical and supply contexts.

These canteens are a must for collectors for seeking a canteen for unique design and specialized use. A hard-to-find original artifact, it offers insight into the logistics and care provisions of Civil War military medicine. Cap is maker marked. Oct. 27, 1857 cap was issued to the Consolidated Fruit Jar Co. with the patented screw on design ultimately utilized on the Pat. 1858 Mason Fruit Jar. Consolidated utilized their patent in the manufacture of tinned sheet iron screw on caps marketing them to tinsmiths who used the caps in the making of all manner of tinned sheet iron liquid containers. Dating of their caps is aided by their markings with early examples being unmarked or marked with the 1857 patent date and later examples being marked with the 1857 date and the 1878 extension.

*To purchase this item directly with a credit card, please click on this link.

Inventory Number: CAN 192