Confederate Wooden Drum Canteen
Confederate Wooden Drum Canteen - Inventory Number: CON 586
American Civil War, ca. 1861–1865
This Southern-made wooden canteen is a classic example of the “drum-style” form widely used by Confederate soldiers. Crafted from turned hardwood and bound with narrow wooden hoops, this utilitarian design emerged out of necessity, as the Confederacy faced severe shortages of tin and mass-produced goods.
The front face bears a faint ink inscription, which could be made legible with careful study and oil, while the reverse is boldly carved with the initials “T.O.” — likely the soldier’s initials. Such personalized markings were commonly applied by troops to help identify their gear in camp or after battle.
Canteens of this type were produced in small numbers by local contractors, field depots, or regimental quartermasters across the South. The rope strap seen here is a period-correct carry method, replacing missing leather slings often lost or worn through in the field.
Lightweight, rugged, and deeply personal, Confederate wooden canteens offer a rare, handmade counterpoint to their more uniform Union-issued counterparts — and this example remains a tangible link to the daily survival of Southern soldiers.
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