Description
Wooden barrell-style canteen with a leather carrying strap and metal and wood stopper tied with cotton string. The library's original records for this item stated it was a Civil War canteen "probably used by a Confederate soldier", but upon research it was found to be a British canteen used about 25 years later.
Top and bottom metal hoops hold it together. The shoulder strap is about 40 cm long, and has the name "A. Ross and Co., O & M - 1888" stamped into one end, and a number "17" stamped into the opposite side.
The initials "WD" with an arrow, the symbol for British army-issue gear, is carved on top rim of the canteen, in 2 mm high letters.
View additional information about this item on the Maine Memory Network.