Wood drum canteen meas. approx. 7.25 inches across by 2.75 inches wide. Small hole has no spout or stopper and the three sling keepers are made of leather and tacked in place.  

The surface of the wood has been painted black to cover earlier markings that though they are subdued by the paint, are still visible. The canteen was originally marked “U.S.” on one side, then the canteen was sold to the state of Massachusetts and an “M” was superimposed over the “U.” The opposite side of the canteen body has a stamped “N.R.” at center and original soldier’s initials “G.L.C.”.  

The canteen is in very nice condition. A very similar canteen to this one appears on page 10 of “CIVIL WAR CANTEENS” by Sylvia and O’Donnell.  

Inventory Number: CAN 230

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A Model 1858 smooth-side Civil War canteen retaining its original sky-blue wool cloth cover. Affixed to the front is an old paper identification label reading: 

“Water Canteen used by John F. Babcock during the Civil War Company C, 4th Mass. Cavalry.” 

The sling is no longer present. Tied around the spout is an old black mourning-type crêpe ribbon, likely applied long ago for suspension or commemorative display. The ribbon has the delicate texture typical of 19th-century mourning crêpe and adds a poignant period touch. 

The canteen is attributed to John F. Babcock of Company C, 4th Massachusetts Cavalry, a regiment that served extensively in the Eastern theater and in operations in Virginia and North Carolina during the latter part of the war. 

An attractive identified Civil War cavalry relic, combining the classic appearance of a sky-blue wool-covered Federal Model 1858 canteen with an early soldier attribution label linking it directly to a trooper of the 4th Massachusetts Cavalry. 

Service

The 4th Massachusetts Cavalry was organized in Readville, Massachusetts beginning December 26, 1863 and mustered in under the command of Colonel Francis Washburn.

The regiment was attached to Light Brigade, District of Florida, X Corps, Department of the South, to April 1864. Unattached, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, X Corps, XVIII Corps, XXIV Corps, and XXV Corps, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, to August 1865. Department of Virginia to November 1865.

The 4th Massachusetts Cavalry mustered out of service on November 14, 1865 and was discharged at Boston, Massachusetts on November 26, 1865.

Detailed Service

First Battalion (Companies I, K, L, and M) was initially formed as Independent Battalion, Massachusetts Cavalry (formerly the 3rd Battalion, 1st Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry). It was assigned to the regiment on February 12, 1864. Expedition from Jacksonville, Fla., to Lake City, Fla., February 7–22, 1864. Battle of Olustee, Fla., February 20. McGrath’s Creek, Cedar Run, March 1. Cedar Run April 2. Ordered to Bermuda Hundred, Va., arriving there May 8. Operations against Fort Darling April 12–16. Bermuda Hundred May 20–30. Jordan’s Crossing and Petersburg June 9. Siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond June 16, 1864 to April 2, 1865. At Headquarters, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, June 21 to August 15, 1864. At Headquarters, X Corps, until December 1864. Demonstration on the north side of the James River August 13–20. Strawberry Plains August 14–18. Flusser’s Mills August 18–19. (Company M detached at Harrison’s Landing on outpost duty August 23, 1864 to March 1865.) Before Petersburg August 24 to September 28. Chaffin’s Farm, New Market Heights, September 28–30. Harrison’s Landing October 13 (Company M). Fair Oaks October 27–28. Expedition into Charles City and Henrico Counties November 1–5. Duty before Richmond until March 1865. At Headquarters, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, December 1864 to April 1865 (Companies I, L, and M). At Headquarters, XXIV Corps, December 1864 to April 1865 (Company K). Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9, 1865. Fall of Petersburg April 2. High Bridge, Farmville, April 6–7. Appomattox Court House April 9, Surrender of Lee and his army. Duty at Richmond until November.

Second Battalion (Companies A, B, C, and D) sailed from Boston for Hilton Head, S.C. on the steamer Western Metropolis March 20, 1864, arriving April 1. Picket and outpost duty at Hilton Head until June. Expedition to Ashepoo River May 22–26 (2 companies). Two Companies moved to Jacksonville, Fla., June 6–8, and served duty there until January 1865, participating in a skirmish at Front Creek July 15, 1864. Raid from Jacksonville upon Baldwin July 23–28. Skirmish at South Fork, Black Creek, July 24. St. Mary’s Trestle July 26. Raid on Florida Railroad August 15–19. Gainesville August 17. Magnolia October 24. Gum Swamp October 24. 2 Companies on duty at Hilton Head, S.C., June to November 1864. Expedition to John’s Island, S.C., July 2–10. Operations against Battery Pringle July 4–9. Expedition to Boyd’s Neck November 29–30. Battle of Honey Hill November 30. Expedition to Deveaux’s Neck December 1–6. March to Charleston January 15-February 23, 1865. Potter’s Expedition to Camden, S.C. April 5–25. Statesburg April 15. Occupation of Camden April 17. Boykin’s Mills April 18. Denkin’s Mills April 19. Beech Creek, near Statesburg, April 19. Duty in the Department of the South until muster out.

Third Battalion (Companies E, F, G, and H) sailed from Boston for Hilton Head, S.C., on the steamer Western Metropolis April 23, 1864, arriving April 27. Moved to Newport News, Va., May 1–3, then to City Point May 23, and duty there scouting, picketing, and on the fortifications until June 16. Duty at Bermuda Hundred until August 23. Companies E and H at Headquarters of XVIII Corps June 16-December 4, and at Headquarters of XXV Corps December 1864 to April 1865. Company F at Headquarters of XXIV Corps December 1864 to April 1865. Company G detached at Yorktown and Williamsburg, Va., August 23, 1864 to April 1865. Occupation of Richmond April 3, 1865 (Companies E and H). Company F on Appomattox Campaign March 28-April 9. High Bridge, Farmville, April 6–7. Appomattox Court House April 9. Surrender of Lee and his army.

Casualties
The regiment lost a total of 162 men during service; 4 officers and 28 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, 2 officers and 128 enlisted men died of disease.

Inventory Number: CAN 231

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A scarce and highly desirable Confederate cedar wood drum canteen, bearing the period-carved initials “J.H.S.” prominently on the face, and accompanied by an early typed museum label reading: “Rebellion relic. A Texan canteen captured at Fort Arkansas.” This attribution strongly points to Confederate service in the Trans-Mississippi Theater, most likely connected to the fighting at Arkansas Post (Fort Hindman) in January 1863—an engagement involving a notable presence of Texas troops.

Texas units engaged at Arkansas Post included elements of the 10th Texas Infantry, 15th Texas Infantry, and other attached commands. The inscribed initials “J.H.S.” present strong potential for further identification through regimental rosters and prisoner of war records, as many Confederates captured at Arkansas Post were documented in detail.

The canteen itself is a classic Southern-made example, constructed of cedar wood with a rich, untouched patina and secured by iron bands. The original leather sling remains complete—an increasingly rare feature—as does the original stopper. These survival details significantly enhance both desirability and value.

The early museum label adds an important layer of provenance, indicating this piece was preserved and identified relatively close to the period of use. Such labels are highly prized, particularly when they reference both geographic origin and troop association.

An outstanding Confederate canteen combining Texas attribution, early provenance, complete accoutrements, and strong research potential—an exceptional and display-worthy example of Trans-Mississippi material culture.

Inventory Number: CON 676

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Wood drum canteen meas. approx. 7.25 inches across by 2.75 inches wide. Small hole has no spout or stopper and the three sling keepers are made of leather and tacked in place.  

The surface of the wood has been painted black to cover earlier markings that though they are subdued by the paint, are still visible. The canteen was originally marked “U.S.” on one side, then the canteen was sold to the state of Massachusetts and an “M” was superimposed over the “U.” The opposite side of the canteen body has a stamped “N.R.” at center and original soldier’s initials “J.S.P.”.  

The canteen is in very nice condition. A very similar canteen to this one appears on page 10 of “CIVIL WAR CANTEENS” by Sylvia and O’Donnell.  

Inventory Number: CAN 229

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And Woven Strap

A classic Civil War smoothside canteen retaining its original cloth covering and woven shoulder strap. The body exhibits the desirable smooth, non-corrugated form, with the exterior covering showing a well-aged surface and honest wear consistent with field use.

The woven strap, featuring distinct period coloration, remains attached and displays expected fraying and age, enhancing both authenticity and visual appeal. The spout retains its original form with attached chain and stopper assembly, completing the piece.

Smoothside canteens were widely issued and saw extensive service throughout the war, valued for their simplicity and durability. Examples preserving both their cloth covering and original strap are increasingly sought after, particularly when exhibiting untouched character and originality.

A strong, display-worthy example of Civil War field equipment with excellent collector appeal.

Inventory Number: CAN 227

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Tin drum canteen measuring with convex sides. The canteen exhibits a rolled and soldered tin spout with three sling retention loops. The canteen exhibits the characteristic rough, utilitarian construction associated with Confederate manufacture.

Body retains its original spout and both strap brackets. Surface shows untouched age patina with scattered oxidation and honest field wear. One side displays a noticeable period dent, consistent with service use.

A desirable Confederate accoutrement with strong display presence and authentic wartime character

Inventory Number: CON 322

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R.H. Simmons, 49^th Alabama Infantry

Classic Confederate drum canteen made from cedar or cherry. The staves are held together by 2 iron bands connected by iron sling straps. “49 ALA” is lightly carved next to the spout. The name “R. H. Simmons” is carved three times into the side of the canteen, as well as “49’. R.H. Simmons enlisted in January 1862 as a private in the 49^th Alabama Infantry, a veteran regiment that fought at Shiloh, Baton Rouge, Corinth, Port Hudson, the Atlanta Campaign, Franklin, and Nashville. An authentic ID’d Confederate canteen in excellent condition. From Confederate Military History, Volume VIII.

The Forty-ninth regiment was organized at Nashville early in the year 1862, and brigaded in April, under Colonel Trabue, in Breckinridge’s division. It was first known as Hale’s Thirty-first, and some confusion has arisen in the documents of the War Records between the Forty-ninth and Hundley’s Thirty-first regiment, but great pains have been taken in collecting the extracts below. The first battle of this regiment was Shiloh, April 6 and 7,1862, when it was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Gilbreath and fought nobly, losing quite a large number.  It was warmly praised by Colonel Trabue. It formed part of the defense of Vicksburg during 1862, when Lieut. W. H. Boggess was killed, and again at Baton Rouge, August 15^th where it lost severely.  It followed Van Dorn to Corinth, and there again met heavy loss in the attack on that place. The winter of 1862-63 was spent in the vicinity of Port Hudson.

For a short time General Beall commanded the brigade, then General Buford.  At the long siege of Port Hudson, the regiment lost a large number of its men; the balance were captured. The regiment, when exchanged, was reorganized at Cahaba, and assigned to General Scott’s brigade with the Twenty-seventh, Thirty-fifth, Fifty-fifth and Fifty-seventh Alabama.  Sent to Johnston’s army, the brigade, then in Loring’s division, wintered at Dalton, taking part in the Dalton-Atlanta campaign, continually fighting and skirmishing, but with comparatively small loss until it came to Atlanta, where many were sacrificed on the altar of patriotism. The regiment, reduced to a paltry number, was merged into the Twenty-seventh, in July, 1864, by consolidation with the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-fifth Alabama, which had also been reduced to mere squads, and was commanded by Col. S. S. Ives, of the Thirty-fifth, with Lieut.-Col. John D. Weedon, of the Forty- ninth. The regiment was on detached service at Selma.  With Hood, it fought in the battle of Franklin, November 30^th, where Colonel Ives was wounded; again at Nashville, December 15^th and 16^th, where many were killed and many captured. Ordered to North Carolina, commanded by Capt. W. B. Beason, it surrendered with Johnston’s army near Smithfield, March 31, 1865. R H. Simmons: Enlisted on 1/15/1862 as a Private. On 1/15/1862 he mustered into “A” Co. AL 49^th Infantry.

THE FORTY-NINTH ALABAMA INFANTRY:

The Forty-ninth regiment was organized at Nashville early in the year 1862, and brigaded in April, under Colonel Trabue, in Breckinridge’s division. It was first known as Hale’s Thirty-first, and some confusion has arisen in the documents of the War Records between the Forty-ninth and Hundley’s Thirty-first regiment, but great pains have been taken in collecting the extracts below. The first battle of this regiment was Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862, when it was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Gilbreath and fought nobly, losing quite a large number.  It was warmly praised by Colonel Trabue. It formed part of the defense of Vicksburg during 1862, when Lieut. W. H. Boggess was killed, and again at Baton Rouge, August 15^th where it lost severely.  It followed Van Dorn to Corinth, and there again met heavy loss in the attack on that place. The winter of 1862-63 was spent in the vicinity of Port Hudson.  For a short time General Beall commanded the brigade, then General Buford.  At the long siege of Port Hudson, the regiment lost a large number of its men; the balance were captured.

The regiment, when exchanged, was reorganized at Cahaba, and assigned to General Scott’s brigade with the Twenty-seventh, Thirty-fifth, Fifty-fifth and Fifty-seventh Alabama.  Sent to Johnston’s army, the brigade, then in Loring’s division, wintered at Dalton, taking part in the Dalton-Atlanta campaign, continually fighting and skirmishing, but with comparatively small loss until it came to Atlanta, where many were sacrificed on the altar of patriotism. The regiment, reduced to a paltry number, was merged into the Twenty-seventh, in July, 1864, by consolidation with the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-fifth Alabama, which had also been reduced to mere squads, and was commanded by Col. S. S. Ives, of the Thirty-fifth, with Lieut.-Col. John D. Weedon, of the Forty- ninth. The regiment was on detached service at Selma.  With Hood, it fought in the battle of Franklin, November 30^th, where Colonel Ives was wounded; again at Nashville, December 15^th and 16^th, where many were killed and many captured. Ordered to North Carolina, commanded by Capt. W. B. Beason, it surrendered with Johnston’s army near Smithfield, March 31, 1865. The captains killed were John R Gardner, at Shiloh, and John D. Rivers and F. A. Payne, at Port Hudson.  Capt. W. S. Bruce was captured at Port Hudson, and died in prison; Capt. G. C. Leadbetter died in service. The field officers were Cols. I. D. Hale and Jeptha Edwards; Lieut.-Cols. M. Gilbreath, W. N. Crump, John D. Weedon; and Majs. B. Johnston and Thomas A. Street.

Inventory Number: CON 645 

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Original specimen of the Federal Model 1858 ‘Bullseye’ pattern tin canteen in very good condition.  Issued to all Union troops in the field, the example comes complete with a desirable blue kersey wool covering, cork stopper, iron pull ring and cotton carry sling.

This example has a series of reinforcing rings extruded on each side.  Its original cork stopper and iron pull ring are complete as is the cotton twine string which is typically broke or lacking in general making it as complete an example as they come.

The bullseye pattern of concentric rings began in 1861 as an effort to increase the durability of canteen equipment. Fluid capacity of the canteen was three pints and its contents were kept cool by means of a damp or wet wool cover.

This cover, made of original, sky blue material, is handsewn along the canteen seams. The cover is in very good condition with a great blue hue. Canteen consists of two circular sections of pressed-tin, formed in an oblate spheroid pattern and soldered together at the rim. Pewter spout is unmarked.  The iron pull ring is intact and the cork stopper is complete.  The linen carrying strap has turned to a darker beige color and exhibits light soiling in spots from use in the field. This complete ‘Bullseye’ or corrugated pattern canteen is a very good example, carried and as essential to the soldier as his musket.

The blue examples represent the most desirable specimens of the Civil War, a hard to improve upon specimen!

Inventory Number: CAN 216

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Wood drum canteen meas. approx. 7.25 inches across by 2.75 inches wide. Small hole has no spout or stopper and the three sling keepers are made of leather and tacked in place. 

The surface of the wood has been painted black to cover earlier markings that though they are subdued by the paint, are still visible. The canteen was originally marked “U.S.” on one side, then the canteen was sold to the state of Massachusetts and an “M” was superimposed over the “U.” The opposite side of the canteen body has a stamped “N.R.” at center and original Museum painted inventory numbers R– 41 above it. 

The canteen is in very nice condition. And is the first example that we’ve encountered that retains the original hand carved stopper device 

A very similar canteen to this one appears on page 10 of “CIVIL WAR CANTEENS” by Sylvia and O’Donnell. 

Inventory Number: CAN 219

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Wood drum canteen meas. approx. 7.25 inches across by 2.75 inches wide. Small hole has no spout or stopper and the three sling keepers are made of leather and tacked in place. 

The surface of the wood has been painted black to cover earlier markings that though they are subdued by the paint, are still visible. The canteen was originally marked “U.S.” on one side, then the canteen was sold to the state of Massachusetts and an “M” was superimposed over the “U.” 

The opposite side of the canteen body has a carved soldier’s initial H. Carved beneath the painted designation. 

Canteen is in very nice condition. A canteen similar to this one appears on page 10 of “CIVIL WAR CANTEENS” by Sylvia and O’Donnell. 

Inventory Number: CAN 212

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