Raise a cup to salute our Veterans of America!

I love cups, bottles and jars, especially ones with history. This particular cup most likely is filled to the brim with many such stories shared around a campfire from a tired and war-weary soldier after a long day and many miles covered on foot.

Some tins were manufactored by Jacob Bromwell, government issued and kept tucked inside a Haversack. Those marked US were post war. This cup may have been crafted by Otter Creek Tinware or S&S Sutter of Gettysburg and possibly used for many months in the field. It would be months or years even before the soldier could hope to return home to the luxury of porcelain and stoneware.

The list below gives us some kind of idea what the solider of yesterday required. Some of the items were issued or purchased with allotment money.

On this Veterans day I wanted to take a moment to thank all Veterans-past and present- for the sacrifice so that I may live free. God bless you.

 

 

This website has so many items used during war time, you’ll want to check it out.

 

http://www.sykesregulars.org/equipment/equipment_vendors.php#Haversack

 

Made of tin, the rim and handle should be wired. Do not buy the cup stamped "U.S." This is post war. Also be mindful to stay away from stainless steel products. Tin cups were produced in a variety of different styles. The tin cups were not an issued item and the soldiers were required to supply their own. In addition to, or in substitution for the tin cup, many soldiers also use old tin cans. The tin cans of the period were smooth sided, unlike the can of today which have ridges around their sides. And with the addition of an improvised wire handle on the top, the tin can would make a good coffee boiler.

 

 All of this information and much more can be found on this website.  

Clothing allowance for a 5-year enlistment (Regulations of 1857)

1 great coat (1 per 5 years) 2 blankets (1 per 1.5 years) 11 pairs flannel drawers (1 per 5.5 months) 13 pairs trousers (1 per 4.5 months) 15 flannel shirts (1 per four months) 20 pairs bootees (1 per 3 months) ·         20 pairs stockings (1 per 3 months)

Dress uniform ·           2 leather stocks (1 per 2.5 years)   2 pompons (1 per 2.5 years)   2 eagles and rings (1 per 2.5 years)   5 cap covers (1 per year)   7 dress caps (1 per 8.5 months)   8 frock coats (1 per 7.5 months)

Clothing allowance for a 5-year enlistment (revised Regulations of 1861 and GO 95). (Prices are from “The Company Clerk” 1863):

1 great coat (1 per 5 years) $9.50 2 blankets (1 per 2.5 years) $3.60 5 forage caps (1 per year)  $0.56 (cover $0.18) 10 sack fatigue coats (1 per 6 months) lined $3.14, unlined $2.40 11 pair flannel drawers (1 per 5.5 months) $0.95 13 pairs of trousers (1 per 4.5 months) $3.55 15 flannel shirts (1 per four months) $1.46 20 pairs of bootees (1 per 3 months) sewed $2.05, pegged $1.48 20 pairs of stockings (1 per 3 months) $0.32

Dress uniforms 5 dress hats with trimmings  (1 per year) total $2.04  (hat $1.68; feather .15; cord and tassel .14; eagle .02; bugle .03; letter .01; number .01) 5 frock coats (1 per year) $7.21 2 leather stocks (1 per 2.5 years) $0.10

 

Some really neat bottles.

Below is an old metal bottle cap. Its rusty so I haven't tried to secure it by pushing down the tab. I have no idea how old this is.