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MODEL 1904 CANTEEN WITH THE ORIGINAL ARSENAL SEWN
MODEL 1907 STRAP – THE US ARMY’S LAST OVOID CANTEEN – AN
EXCELLENT “LIKE NEW” 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.
Initially, the Model 1904 Canteen retained the same
triangular hangers which had been in use during the
Indian and Spanish American Wars. In 1907, the arsenals
adopted the “Y” shaped web hanger seen here which was
sewn directly to the rear cover, eliminating the need
for the triangular hangers. When introduced, this
arrangement was intended for issue to foot troops who
attached the canteen via the snap to one of the grommets
arrayed along the bottom of their Model 1903 Pocketed
Cartridge Belts. In practice, this canteen was also
issued to mounted troops who could attach the canteen to
the equipment rings on their saddles and then move the
canteen to their cartridge belts when dismounted.
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.
The front cover bears a bright and legible stencil “US”,
indicating this canteen was intended to be issued to a
regular army soldier. The bottom center of the front
cover is stenciled with a fully legible “R.I.A. 1910”,
indicating the cover was produced at the Rock Island
Arsenal in 1910. Given the introduction of the Model
1910 Canteen soon after the adoption of this sewn
carrier strap arrangement, this canteen may well
represent one of the last production run of these ovoid
canteens and covers. The seams are all intact and the
cover is very solid with no wear or damage, and only the
very slightest soiling from storage. Likewise, the
canteen strap is in the same “like new” unissued
condition, showing no evidence of having been issued or
used. The web material is clean and bright, and the
brass snap hook still retains its arsenal applied
darkened finish.
Issued to all soldiers, mounted and dismounted, this
combination of the Model 1904 Canteen made without the
triangular strap hangers and the sewn-on Pattern 1907
“Y” shaped folded webbing strap represents the last of
the ovoid canteens which were issued to U.S. Army
soldiers.
This is an excellent specimen of a
fairly scarce US Army canteen – one which would be
almost impossible to upgrade, and it will make a nice
addition to display on your Model 1904 McClellan Saddle
or on one of the early 20TH Century Mills
Cartridge Belts.
SOLD
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