Civil War Union Army Veteran Travel Flask Military Div Mississippi Gen Sherman

  
CIRCA 1870S CIVIL WAR UNION VETERAN TRAVEL FLASK MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI. An antique travel flask that appears to have belonged to a Civil War veteran of the Union Army.

The removeable metal cup portion of the flask is engraved with the logo of the Military Division of the Mississippi, an administrative division of the U. Army during the Civil War.

It was created by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 to reorganize Union troops in the Western Theater after the serious Union defeat at the Battle of Chickamauga. Its first commander, "with his headquarters in the field, " was Major General Ulysses S. When Grant was called east, he was succeeded by General William T. Under Sherman, the Division fought at Shiloh, Vicksburg, Jackson, Chattanooga, Meridian Campaign, Atlanta Campaign, Savannah Campaign (his famous March to the Sea), and the Carolinas Campaign.

His march through the Carolinas culminated with the successful Battle of Bentonville and the surrender in April 1865, by General Joseph E. Johnston, of all the Confederate armies in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Following the war, Sherman designed an insignia in 1868 to symbolize the unity of his armies. This insignia is engraved on the cup portion of the flask. At the top is the "swift arrow", badge of General Francis Preston Blair's 17th Corps.

Hanging from the arrow is the triangular shield of General John M. Schofield's 23rd Corps with a star symbolizing General Henry W. Dangling below, at the heart of the design is the badge of the 15th Corps, containing a cartridge box bearing the words that a ragged private had hurled one cold marching day in Tennessee: Forty Rounds.

At the bottom is an acorn representing General William S. Sherman was so fond of this insignia that it appears on his grave monument. Although I have no way to be certain, I believe this flask once belonged to a veteran of the Division, quite possibly an officer.

The glass portion was manufactured by Olry & Company in Philadelphia during the 1860s (marked on bottom). The silver plate cup portion was made by the Meriden Silver Plate Company, most likely during the 1870s (mark was first used in 1869). The flask stands about 6 3/8" to the top of the lid and measures about 3 1/4" wide at the shoulders. The top portion of the glass retains portions of its black leather covering that had a rectangular window to see the fluid level.

Condition of this antique travel flask is FAIR TO POOR. The glass is cracked at the top and the leather has considerable loss. The real value, however, is in the engraved cup.

The silver plate has some discoloration that might clean up. I did not want to disturb the antique patina. Overall, this 150+ year-old flask shows its age but displays well.

It would make a fine addition to any collection. Please take a close look at the many photos I've provided and judge condition for yourself.

This flask is unique, something you will never see again. While you're here, please check out my other listings by clicking on the link below. Engraved Logo of Military Division of the Mississippi. Glass Broken & Loss to Leather Covering.

Bottom Removed for Use as Cup. Gold Wash Inside of Cup. Bottle Portion Made by Olry & Company in Philadelphia Circa 1860s. Cup Portion Made by Meriden Silver Plate Company Circa 1870s.

I will insure this item at my own expense. Txzj pxzj4713 txzj-11 txzj41 txzj71 txzj115.