Original Revolutionary War Wood Water Keg/Rundlet Canteen, Ca. 1750 – 1785, as in canteen book

This is another great piece being offered, it is a Revolutionary War Rundlet (canteen) out of the New England area, measuring 6” x 4” x 3 ½”. The main body of the cask was turned from a single piece of wood, with two end pieces, and was not made in the more common stave and loop style of construction. It has a raised bung with fill hole and the original iron handle attached.

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. 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 these canteens and show similar examples.

In the book "U.S. Army & Militia Canteens 1775-1910" by Mike O'Donnell, an example of this 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 patina, showing extended use. It would be the center piece of any collection.