Another curious one, which, as a lover of rebuses, there was no way I could resist--though I'm not the least bit good solving them! I turned up a blog post devoted to miniature ceramic canteens, explaining them as a phenomenon of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), a fraternal organization found in 1866 and composed of Civil War Union army/navy/marine veterans. (The miniature canteen form referencing canteens carried in combat.) And indeed, the all seeing sort of eye and shaking hands on the face of this one are clearly fraternal symbols--though what all these stags are about, I could not say! And then on the back, which shows a bit more wear, a devil with pitchfork and what looks like a wounded soldier ("Hello...O Hell")!, certainly evoking a veteran's experience. Lots more that is somewhat cryptic, to me at least; (R U A a buffalo (?), ass, or one of the gang??? And with a reference to Steubenville, Ohios, the home of the Ohio Department of the G.A.R., which was quite an active chapter. An interesting little piece of American history whatever the case, and a rare one, c. 1890s.
3 3/4" t x 3" w x 5/8" d at opening. Canteen itself in excellent condition, no chips or cracks, some loss in a few spots to the imagery on reverse, which I believe is transferware.
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