Civil War 1858 Canteen With India-Rubber Adjustable Sling SOLD

This is a regulation 1858 smooth sided canteen with original gray wool cover. It has black stenciled letters that may be related to an Ohio unit or a man’s initials.  The rarity with this piece is the use of an India- Rubber adjustable sling (or gutta percha) that looks like a buckle used on clothing (tightening straps on men’s vests for example). The cloth covers over the rubber strap that has become stiff from age. some repairs and and age cracks in several locations, but all intact.

A great display piece.

From the collection of Mike Woshner, shown in his book, India-Rubber and Gutta-Percha In the Civil War Era on page 166.

A rare item of this form (the strap) does not hold up well to time.