Original Revolutionary War Wood Water Rundlet/Keg Canteen

This is another nice early piece being offered, it is a Revolutionary War Military Style Wooden Water Keg/Rundlet (Canteen) from the Fredericksburg, Virginia area. It is the staved construction measuring 8 ¼” and the ends having 3” diameter.

One stave has the hand-carved raised  bung with the pouring hole – not separate but carved from one piece of wood. It originally had four iron bands, but now one is missing due to the common shrinkage of wood.

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 mid – 1700s through the later 1700s and could have been used during the American Revolution or even through the War of 1812.

There is a “cartoon drawing” done in 1777 of a Revolutionary War soldier carrying a similar keg (see pictures).This canteen is in nice condition for its age. I discuss some of these early canteens in my book “The Civil War Canteen – Third Edition”. Overall it is a nice example and ready for display.