Civil War Inspector Marked Model 1858 Smoothside Canteen

Civil War Inspector Marked Model 1858 Smoothside Canteen – This is a superior example of the Federal issue, Model 1858 smoothside canteen, a product of the New York Army Depot, as indicated by the government inspector’s stenciled mark, clearly apparent on the double-sewn, cotton sling; the inspector’s mark reads as follows:

“T.F. BAYLES

 U.S. Inspector

NEW YORK”

The canteen’s original, brown wool covering remains in overall very good condition, with some minor stress pulls and period use soiling. The carrying sling remains in excellent, strong condition, as do all of the sling guides. The stopper is complete and remains attached via its original chain to one of the sling guides. This is one of the better examples of U.S. issue canteens that we have had.