Description
Union Model 1858 Smoothside Canteen
The 174th Regiment, New York Infantry, was a Union regiment that served during the American Civil War. A canteen from this regiment would be a highly valuable and historically significant artifact, given its direct connection to a specific military unit.
Overview of the 174th Regiment, New York Infantry
- Organized: November 1862
- Mustered out: June 1865
- Service: The regiment participated in various significant campaigns and battles, including the Siege of Port Hudson, the Red River Campaign, and operations in Louisiana and Alabama.
Historical Context of the Regiment
- Formation: The 174th New York Infantry was organized in New York City and mustered into service in November 1862.
- Major Engagements:
- Siege of Port Hudson (May 22 – July 9, 1863): A key battle in the Vicksburg Campaign, where the Union aimed to gain control of the Mississippi River.
- Red River Campaign (March 10 – May 22, 1864): A series of battles fought along the Red River in Louisiana.
- Mobile Campaign (March 17 – April 12, 1865): The final operations against Confederate forces along the Gulf Coast, including the Battle of Spanish Fort and the Battle of Fort Blakely.
Union Model 1858 Smoothside Canteen Specific to the 174th Regiment
A canteen from the 174th Regiment, New York Infantry, would be a Model 1858 Smoothside Canteen, a standard-issue piece of equipment for Union soldiers. Here’s what makes such a canteen particularly valuable and interesting:
Features and Specifications
- Material: Tin or pewter, with a wool cloth cover (often blue for Union soldiers).
- Design: Smooth, rounded sides with a cork stopper and chain.
- Strap: Canvas or linen, adjustable for shoulder carry.
- Identification: Such canteens might have been personalized or marked by their owners. It could bear the soldier’s initials, regiment number (174th NY), or other identifying marks.
Collectibility and Value
- Historical Significance: A canteen identified to a specific regiment, like the 174th New York Infantry, is particularly valuable to collectors and historians.
- Condition: The condition of the canteen significantly impacts its value. A canteen with an intact cover, original strap, and legible markings will be more valuable.
- Provenance: Provenance or documentation linking the canteen to a specific soldier or engagement increases its value.
Estimated Value
- Excellent Condition with Provenance: $500 to $1,500 or more, especially if linked to notable battles or events.
- Good Condition with Some Provenance: $300 to $800.
- Fair Condition with Faint or No Provenance: $150 to $300.
Where to Buy or Sell
- Auction Houses: Specialized in Civil War artifacts, such as Heritage Auctions or Cowan’s Auctions.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, GunBroker, and Civil War artifact sites.
- Antique Dealers: Dealers specializing in military and Civil War memorabilia.
- Historical Shows: Civil War reenactments, militaria shows, and antique fairs.
Collectors’ Notes
- Authenticity: Ensuring the canteen’s authenticity is crucial. Look for period-correct materials, construction methods, and markings.
- Preservation: Proper storage in a controlled environment is important to prevent deterioration. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Documentation: Any associated documentation or provenance should be preserved and presented, as it significantly enhances the artifact’s historical value.
Conclusion
A canteen from the 174th Regiment, New York Infantry, represents a tangible connection to the experiences of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Its value extends beyond monetary worth, offering insights into the daily lives and struggles of those who fought in the conflict. Collectors and historians prize such artifacts for their historical significance and the personal stories they embody.
