May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
Two (2) 18th-early 19th century, military canteens found in the Newburyport, Massachusetts area, both of of stave construction and made of white cedar with white oak, interlocking banding, a form is use from the Revolutionary War through the War of 1812. 1) The first canteen is 6 7/16 in. diameter by 3 5/8 in. width. It was painted a light blue (probably of Prussia blue and white lead pigments), and has "C*P / 1814" painted in black on one face, the opposite painted "2D R. / 1th. B. / 3D. D.", almost certainly signifying, respectively, the initials of the militiaman and date of issue to him and his unit affiliation, being the 2nd Regiment of the 1st Brigade in the 3rd Division of Massachusetts Militia, a unit representing Newburyport and environs during the War of 1812 and earlier. [with] 2) The second canteen is of the same construction, materials and provenance as the first, also of 6 7/16 in. diameter, but wider at 3 7/8 in.; it was originally painted a light blue, traces of which can be observed under the later red overpaint on the face and staves. The banding is painted a medium blue and the faces are marked in similar fashion to the second canteen above, ""J. E" / 1814" and "2D. R. / 1t. B. / 3D. D." This canteen is believed to have been carried by Joseph Elder during his service at Plum Island Fort in Newburyport harbor. JLK
Illustrated and discussed on. pp. 140-141 in "For Liberty I Live."