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MODEL 1878 CANTEEN WITH THE EARLY ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL NARROW LEATHER "US" STAMPED CANTEEN STRAP:  An original Indian War period US Army issue Model 1878 Canteen complete with the early pattern, narrow leather shoulder strap manufactured at the Rock Island Arsenal.   

The canteen is complete with both of the triangular hangers that were attached as part of the modification process the arsenal used to convert the Civil War canteens to the Model 1878 Pattern.  The “US” stencil is clear and legible, and is of the desirable “large” pattern characters, indicating that this is one of the earlier stenciled covers.  There is a carefully hand applied numeral "9" drawn in ink above the "US", probably a soldier's effort to identify his canteen, or a company or regiment quartermaster sergeant's attempt to adhere to the standard of marking the equipment to the unit when he did not have the standard stamps provided by the army. 

The cover is solid and free from any wear points or tears, and the seams are intact.  The body of the canteen holds it shape on the front and the rear surfaces with no dents or other damage.  The original cork stopper and chain are intact and full form with no loss to the cork.   

The correct narrow leather strap is in very good condition - full length with no weak points, complete with both brass hooks and leather keepers, and the leather is supple with no flexing or crazing to the leather surface.  The “ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL” stamp is barely legible on one “fold back” section of the sling, between the brass sling adjustment hook and the brass wire hook that attaches to the canteen’s triangular hanger.  The other “fold back” section on the other end of the sling is legibly stamped “US”, a stamp that is not often seen, and again may indicate this is an early production sling.  These narrow canteen slings have all but disappeared from the market and are now quite scarce.   

This is the canteen issued to the regular army in the west, with no National Guard or State Militia unit marks, and it is a very solid specimen with the very desirable and correct narrow canteen sling.  (0815)  $275 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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