Original Item: Only One Available. Stocks of Civil War period canteens were exhausted by the end of the Spanish-American War and the bodies for the 1878 canteen were being newly manufactured. In 1902, a modification was made to the canteen body by the addition of a convex depression on the backside so that it would fit more snuggly against the wearer. In addition the leather canteen sling was eliminated and the haversack sling became the universal pattern sling for both the canteen and the haversack.

In the meanwhile, experimenting with new field equipment was underway. In 1903 it was decided to replace the shoulder sling for the canteen with a smaller V-shaped sling made of drab cotton web with a simple hook arrangement on each end to hold the canteen, and a spring clip in the center to secure the canteen to the cartridge belt.

This example of the 1903 model is actually a rare “M1907” variant. The canteen is almost identical in appearance to the 1903 model and suspension system, only difference being is the elimination of the bales on the sides of the canteen to attach the V-shaped webbing. Instead of bales and other hooks for attachment, this sling was stitched onto the backside of the cover, giving it an even more snug fit for the wearer.

The condition is excellent given the age of the canteen. There is no significant damage present, however, the cork stopper has shrunk, there are stains on the cloth cover and the metal components have oxidation present, all signs of long service use.

This is a wonderful example of a rather rare variant of the M1903 canteen! Comes more than ready for further research and display.