A classic U.S. Civil War-era smoothside canteen, issued to a Union soldier and bearing faint stenciled identification: “R. C. Hill” and the date “1863.” This standard-issue tin canteen is covered in original wool cloth, retaining its pewter stopper and chain. The fabric covering exhibits hand-stitched repairs near the spout and a large period hole at the center, likely the result of hard field use. Smoothside canteens like this were issued from 1862 onward by Union quartermaster depots such as those in Philadelphia and New York. Personalized wartime inscriptions are increasingly scarce on surviving examples, and “R. C. Hill” may correspond to one of several Union soldiers serving in 1863, potentially from the 117th New York Infantry, 34th Massachusetts, or 21st Illinois. With further research, this artifact may yield a verifiable provenance to a specific Civil War veteran. Diameter: 8 in. Pickup & Shipping: This lot may be picked up free of charge in Gardnerville, NV. It can also be delivered to the Annex Auctions facility for pick up in Sacramento for $25, or shipped via FedEx or USPS within the continental U.S. for $30. All shipments include Direct Signature Required and full replacement value insurance at a rate of 1.5% of the purchase price, unless the buyer accepts full liability in writing. Combined lot shipping is typically discounted. Fair to good for age; with significant wear to cloth covering, stitched field repair, and a central fabric loss. Stopper and chain intact.