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Several years ago I purchased ($30) a replica CSA wood canteen from a barrelwright at Black Creek Village - a living history museum in Toronto. It is a very nicely made piece, with mortised staves having fitted side panels, well forged metal holding straps and sling loops, a carved plug, and has proven quite functional for the intended purpose. It came with a simple leather thong which I replaced by using a piece of leather horse halter tack w/silver buckle I picked up along the way.
The maker told me that such canteens were commonly made in Canada for CSA troops.
It most closely resembles what I believe would be called the "Gardner" variant of CSA canteens, although my example is not quite as finely formed and seems to be a tad thicker.
My piece measures 4" deep x 7 1/4" diameter, with approx. 2" sling loops.
I am as yet unable to present a photo, sorry.
In trying to gaze backward with this replica, I've come up with a number of questions related to the canteen and CSA canteens in general. I am not a dealer or buyer of CSA or Civil War militaria, nor am I a re-enactor - though might have been if I had gotten started long years ago. From 1980 thru 1995 or so I made a very serious book study of the CW, and amassed a substantial library (since forfeit in a divorce) on the topic.
If anyone could give some guidance on these questions, it would be much appreciated:
1. WERE there CSA canteens made in Canada? If so, for whom or where?
2. What might the slings of those have been made? I have seen illustrations showing everything from linen and cotton canvas/duck, to all kinds of leather, and even one example using web!
3. Did certain units or CSA states tend to equip their troops with canteens from particular manufacturers? If so, any examples?
4. Any idea of about how many types of CSA canteens there were? I've seen pictures of different metal ones, ones with 2 spouts, wide and skinny spouts, wood ones, ones with elaborate slings, ones with highly carved and crude plugs, ones with short and very long adjustable and not-adjustable slings, etc.
Any guidance or information would be greatly appreciated.
Mike Bell
The maker told me that such canteens were commonly made in Canada for CSA troops.
It most closely resembles what I believe would be called the "Gardner" variant of CSA canteens, although my example is not quite as finely formed and seems to be a tad thicker.
My piece measures 4" deep x 7 1/4" diameter, with approx. 2" sling loops.
I am as yet unable to present a photo, sorry.
In trying to gaze backward with this replica, I've come up with a number of questions related to the canteen and CSA canteens in general. I am not a dealer or buyer of CSA or Civil War militaria, nor am I a re-enactor - though might have been if I had gotten started long years ago. From 1980 thru 1995 or so I made a very serious book study of the CW, and amassed a substantial library (since forfeit in a divorce) on the topic.
If anyone could give some guidance on these questions, it would be much appreciated:
1. WERE there CSA canteens made in Canada? If so, for whom or where?
2. What might the slings of those have been made? I have seen illustrations showing everything from linen and cotton canvas/duck, to all kinds of leather, and even one example using web!
3. Did certain units or CSA states tend to equip their troops with canteens from particular manufacturers? If so, any examples?
4. Any idea of about how many types of CSA canteens there were? I've seen pictures of different metal ones, ones with 2 spouts, wide and skinny spouts, wood ones, ones with elaborate slings, ones with highly carved and crude plugs, ones with short and very long adjustable and not-adjustable slings, etc.
Any guidance or information would be greatly appreciated.
Mike Bell