This is a classic style drum canteen with wooden staves bound by strap iron bands. The canteen is 7.5″ in diameter and 2.25″ thick with a separately carved wood spout. We do not know the type of wood, but the color is great with the sides being a dark reddish-brown with some black striping. One side has a 2.25″ crack at the edge that is tight with no missing wood. The iron straps have a dark patina with even light pitting and one of the three retaining loops for a carry strap is missing. One side of the canteen is neatly carved "CHS. F. WALDRON / CO. C. 24TH REGT. ME. VOLS / PORT HUDSON, / L.A. / JULY 8TH, 1863." Included information from internet databases indicates that Charles F. Waldron of Canaan, Maine, was 20 years old when he enlisted as a sergeant in 'C' Co., 24th Maine Infantry, on October 13, 1862. This was a nine-month regiment that served in Louisiana. The regiment participated in the entire siege of the Confederate stronghold at Port Hudson during May and June of 1863. Battle casualties were almost nil, however 190 officers and men died of disease in the few short months they were in the south. The regiment left Port Hudson on July 24, 1863 (only a few days after the inscription on this canteen, perhaps accounting for the wonderful condition, as Sergeant Waldron took it directly home). The regiment arrived in Augusta, Maine, on August 6 and mustered out of service on August 25, 1863. A custom wood display stand is included. An excellent addition to any Civil War collection.
