For your consideration is this amazing piece of Civil War history, an identified Civil War 'bullseye' water canteen belonging to Private Charles W. Hildreth of the 6th Regiment Volunteer Infantry of Massachusetts Company B circa 1862 to 1865. Hildreth, a Davenport, Iowa resident, enlisted August 25th at the age of 20 years old after the call to arms in August of 1862. He was part of the second call to arms, requiring men to enlist for a nine month period. After only a few short months of duty, Hildreth was wounded at The Battle of Deserted House, also known as The Battle of Kelly's Store, near Suffolk, Virginia on January 30th 1863. It is noted it was only a slight wound. June 3rd, 1863, Hildreth joined another call to arms, a 3 month service this time and served 100 days, being discharged in 1864. Though unmarked, it is believed that this canteen would have been issued by the United States Federal Government early in the Civil War through a contract with a supplier, possibly "Code, Hopper and Co.", a company that was contracted to make around 125,000 canteens during the war, located in Philadelphia. The spout of the canteen is marked, reading, "C. W. Hildreth". The piece shows good condition despite its age and handling over the years. No signs of obvious damage is noted. It measures 8 1/2" L x 7 1/2" W x 3" D, and weighs 10 ounces.

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