- Probable Confederate canteen
made from a bamboo section carved in the form of a wooden keg
with a human face on one end and what appears to be a piece of
the original cork inside. The remaining section of cork is still
in place and effectively seals the canteen. There are two age
cracks from shrinkage on the sides. The initials "A A"
are carved in one side. This canteen is approximately 2 ¾"
in diameter and one might assume that it was made in an area
where bamboo grew to such a large size. That includes the southeastern
U.S., where "Giant Cane" (Arundinaria gigantea) is
endemic. Our research reflects that many Confederate canteens
were made of wood and southern soldiers often fashioned some
of their own equipment, especially late in the war. We were advised
that the original owner, a Civil War collector, believed such
to be the case. He reportedly found it in Louisiana. Of course,
large bamboo grows in many parts of the world and similar canteens
are found in some of those areas, especially southeast Asia.
However, given the detailed carving, the obvious age, the location
where it was reportedly found and the English style initials,
we believe it was most likely a Confederate piece. More photos
available upon request (CM-3).
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- $270
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- (additional photos
below)
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