A late 18th or early 19th c. diminutive sized cheesebox canteen in original red paint. 
Constructed of bentwood ash with pine wood ends. The bentwood bosy is produced like that of a pantry box and features a lap joint with slightly cut in ends to prevent snagging or chipping and is secured well with 6 iron brads, each formed with hand cut heads. A circular drinking hole remains untouched. 
Pine wood ends are inserted with unusually large and rectangular shaped wood pins as opposed to the standard cobblers pins for shoes and pantry boxes indicating the ends are very thick in stock to prevent warping.
Three leather strap holds are twcked to the exterior of the body via small iron brads and are original. 
Its unclear whether this canteen saw militia use during the War of 1812 or was used personally for field or hunting purposes. Regardless, the condition, surface of its paint and historic wear present a very pleasing sense of history. Scarcely found in such a well-preserved state of condition. 
New England. Ca. 1790-1830. 5 3/4"W.