British water bottle (canteen) mid 19th c.

[Jim McDougall]

This wood canteen used by the British military in the 19th c. until about 1870 was something I acquired many years ago during an ongoing fascination with the famed "Charge of the Light Brigade". As this was exactly the type canteen carried by the men on campaign (they were of course only issued on those occasions), I wanted to have other items to display with the swords used.

This example has the arrow and WD (=war dept.) instead of the BO (=board of ordnance) it will date 1855 + as the use of WD began in 1855, thus postdating the year of the Charge (Oct. 1854).

The name G. BROWN marked is likely the supplier, and the 1801 is of course a serial number rather than date.

These, for unknown reasons were termed 'Italian' water bottles.

While a sword collector primarily, the addition of contextual items always adds great perspective to the arms when displayed, which is why this forum addressing miscellania is so important.

I would appreciate comments or any additional information, and especially to see other examples of these canteens. I believe the next model was termed the Oliver' water bottle in c. 1870, but have no images of what these were like.