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MODEL 1904 CANTEEN WITH THE ORIGINAL ROCK ISLAND
ARSENAL MODEL 1904 STRAP – EXCELLENT SPECIMEN:
Introduced in the 1905 dated Ordnance Department Manual
Horse Equipments and Equipments for Officers and
Enlisted Men, and manufactured at the Rock Island
Arsenal, this canteen was issued to the early 20TH
Century US Army soldiers as the Model 1904 Canteen, and
was issued to mounted and foot soldiers alike.
The “US” brightly stenciled on the front of the cover is
very legible, as is the distinct arsenal stencil at the
bottom center of the front cover, “R.I.A. 1903”,
indicating the cover was produced at the Rock Island
Arsenal in 1903. While this canteen was identified by
the army as the “Model 1904”, from the stamp on this
canteen cover it is obvious the arsenal was producing
the covers at least one year before the above cited
manual was written and published. The 1903 date on this
cover is an added value as it was likely made during the
first year of production. This same difference in model
date and the date of arsenal production have been noted
in the Model 1885 Horse Equipment. This cover is in as
close to “like new, unissued” condition as it is
possible to find. In addition to the bright clean
surface, the seams are all intact and the cover is very
solid with no wear or damage.
Both of the triangular hangers are intact and the body
of the canteen holds it ovoid shape on the front and the
rear surface has the distinctive round dimple correct
for the Model 1904 Canteen, with no dents from abuse or
other damage. The original cork stopper and brass chain
are present, with the cork body retaining its full
form.
This canteen is suspended from the correct Model 1878
Canteen and Haversack Strap which was manufactured at
Rock Island Arsenal and so marked very legibly on the
sling. Correct for this Model 1904 Canteen, this sling
was manufactured after the army instituted the leather
color change from black to russet leather in 1902.
These slings were introduced with the Model 1878
Haversack and adopted for the canteen as well with the
adoption of the 1885 Equipment, and the brown leather
versions continued in use through the early years of the
20TH Century. This strap is in excellent
condition - full length with no weak points, complete
with both brass hooks and leather keepers, and the
leather is supple with a bright shiny surface and a nice
russet color. These russet slings were made in very
limited numbers compared to the numbers of the black
slings produced, and are quite rare today.
This
is an excellent specimen of the Model 1904 Canteen with
the appropriate matching russet leather strap – a set
which would be almost impossible to upgrade, and will
make a nice addition to an early 20TH Century
Infantry display.
(0120) $250
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