Early 19th century Tin Militia/CS Canteen

This is another great canteen being offered, it is an early 19th century tin Militia Canteen. It has a diameter of 4 1/2” x 2” wide with a ¾” tin spout - typical of the early 19th century period. It has three round sling keepers and remnants of the original black paint. It has a convex face on one side and the other side is flat.

Being that Militia units started out as being local, a smaller size canteen was sufficient during their training exercises. I discuss these canteens in my new book “The Civil War Canteen – Third Edition” (see pictures). Many of these militia units were in the New England states, but also the South had some.

When the Civil War broke out, many households still had these canteens, and men carried them when they went off to war. This canteen is solid but has a few pin holes. The tin spout is pushed a little to one side, probably from being dropped by the soldier. I picked up this canteen in Fredericksburg, Virginia and it appears to be a barn find or early pickup.