The Gardner Patent Canteen

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"Improved" canteen invented by Francis Gardner which, according to the patent information, provided a shallow compartment for rations behind a hinged front door.  Also a place for pipe and toiletries on top with a slide-down lid that doubled as a drinking cup.  On the left side of the upper section is a small hinged space for matches and a paper label for writing identification information.  The canteen is accessed with a threaded spout and tube, with a filtered end. The original design included a rubber hose and mouthpiece that would allow drinking while on the march.  Measures 7 1/2 inches tall - 5 1/6 inches wide - 2 1/2 inches deep.

At the time of the publication of Sylvia and O'Donnell's book "Civil War Canteens" (second edition 1990) - only two of these canteens were known.  Since publication, another one, besides this one, has surfaced.  This example, found in Southern California, apparently brings the number of known specimens to 4.