Original French & Indian War/ Revolutionary War Wood Water Keg/Rundlet Canteen, Ca. 1750 – 1785, possibly Hessian (ON HOLD,M)

This is another great piece being offered, it is a French & Indian War/Revolutionary War Rundlet (canteen) measuring 6 1/2” x 6” x 3 ½”. The main body of the cask was turned from a single piece of wood and has one seam where it came together, not made in the more common stave and loop style of construction. It has two iron bands, and the oval sides are each a single piece of wood.

The top is unique, having a raised bung and fill hole with two openings on the side of it for a cord or just a handle to carry. The bottom has a flat surface for resting on the ground or a table – seldom seen on these smaller kegs.

This design and shape suggest Pennsylvania German workmanship, which goes back several centuries to their beginnings in Germany. Some of the Hessian troops brought these canteens over with them when they fought in the Revolutionary War. Many of these men did not return to Germany after the war but settled in Pennsylvania. I show one of these kegs with intricate carvings (see pictures).

Revolutionary War Era Army and/or Militia soldiers would be required to bring a portable water canteen when reporting for duty. This keg was probably made in the early part of the 1700s and would have been used during the American Revolution. There is a “cartoon drawing” done in 1777 of a Revolutionary War soldier carrying a similar style keg (see pictures).

These small rundlets were used by many soldiers, the size made it fit easily in a backpack or haversack, or a cord for over the shoulder. There are examples in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic (see pictures). In my book "The Civil War Canteen - Third Edition", I discuss some of these canteens.

In the book "U.S. Army & Militia Canteens 1775-1910" by Mike O'Donnell, an example of this style canteen can be found. In September 1776, the Connecticut Assembly ordered "6,000 canteens or wooden bottles" (see pictures).

The canteen is in strong, solid condition, having only a couple of minor surface cracks. It has a fantastic original dark patina, showing just normal use. It would be the center piece of any collection.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been hard to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. There has been a substantial increase in purchases on my site.