Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a tremendous example of a Revolutionary War stave construction canteen that was found on the New Hampshire / Vermont border in the 1950s. The talented cooper who made this canteen used white cedar, and the staves are wide, but so nicely worked and fitted that it took only 5 to completely encircle the two faces, which were then bound with interlocking hoops of hickory, making a watertight container that was also light and less susceptible to rot, by the nature of the wood.

The canteen measures roughly 7” in diameter and 3½” tall. One of the hoops is a little loose but nothing serious. The mouth of the canteen has some loss of material, likely from a mouse eating at it while in storage. 

The side of the canteen is beautifully initialed with a period-correct stylized AH. This is carved twice on one side, with what looks like a partial third attempt below it. The other side of the canteen is carved with what appears to read II VI / II, which could indicate issue to the Vermont Militia or the 2nd Virginia Regiment, otherwise known as the “Green Mountain Boys”, but we cannot say for certain. The canteen could use some additional research.

This is a fantastic example of a Revolutionary War canteen with an unbeatable patina, with potential for further research! Comes ready for further research and display.