Treasures from Our West: Civil War canteen

January 10, 2015 by Nancy McClure

Originally featured in Points West magazine in fall 2007

Civil War Canteen

While a standard item of military equipment, this Civil War canteen is definitely in a non-standard condition. The porcelain coating on this “dress” canteen—worn with the dress uniform as opposed to fatigue or field uniform—added to the decoration of the individual soldier in parades and other ceremonial functions.

Civil War porcelain parade canteen, ca. 1861 – 1865. Gift of Don and Marjorie Lawson. 2004.17.1

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About Nancy McClure

Nancy works in the Public Relations Department in electronic communications. Her work includes writing and updating website content, publicizing events, copy editing, working with images, and producing the e-newsletter Western Wire. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys photography, reading, flower gardening, and playing the flute.