Revolutionary War Wooden Water Keg/Rundlet Canteen, Ca. 1750 – 1785, as in canteen books and museums

This is another nice early piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 artifacts. Being offered is a smaller size Revolutionary War wooden Rundlet Canteen. It is slightly oval and measures 3 ¾” wide x 3 ¼” x 3 ½”.

It has decorative lines cut into the ends, giving the appearance of the more common stave constructed casks. The main body was turned from a single piece of wood, with two end pieces inserted.

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. The smaller size made it fit easily in a backpack or haversack. Some soldiers would use a nail or tack on each end to allow the cask to be carried from a sling.

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 (see pictures). There is also a similar identified rundlet to this one in “The Revolutionary War Museum” in Philadelphia (see pictures)

This canteen remains in very nice condition, with an untouched beautiful patina. This collection began in the late 1950s and was created by private acquisitions, closed museums, and from lake divers. The collector meticulously displayed and cataloged every piece along with its provenance.

This is the first time it has been on the open market, and it is truly a great piece of early American History. It definitely merits a place in an advanced collection or museum. As with all the pieces in this esteemed collection, a Certificate of Authenticity will be included. As with all items on the website, the very friendly layaway is available.