CIVIL WAR, UNION, AMBULANCE WAGON, WATER KEG This is a rare piece being offered, it is an original Civil War Ambulance Keg, which would have been one of several carried on the underside or back of the horse-drawn ambulance. Please refer to the images for dimensions. This has iron stabilizing legs, two carrying handles, six metal bands, a brass screw cap on top for filling, and a brass pour spout on the end. The keg is made of oak staves held together by the metal bands, but as typical with old wood, there is shrinkage, which will start to loosen up around the bands. The wounded men of both sides needed water. Obviously, the canteens carried on the person by the soldiers were entirely insufficient in number and capacity to meet the demands of the battlefield. Accordingly in the rear of each horse drawn ambulance, under each seat was a water keg with the end containing a brass pour spout for quick and easy dispensing of water. After a battle, and sometimes during a battle, the ambulance would get as close as possible to the wounded to bring them to the rear for treatment. Often, field musicians would operate the ambulance. Many battles were fought in the humid Southern states during the spring and summer months, and the injured and bleeding men were often parched from dehydration through blood loss just craving for some water. A simple cup of water was a tremendous act of last mercy to men who were soon to die. A keg of this same design can be found on page 81 of Dr. Gordon Dammann's book "Civil War Medical Instruments Equipment, Volume III" (see pictures). Also, in the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, PA, there are examples of this keg on the back of an ambulance. Black and white drawings of the ambulance with the water kegs are attached for your review. Overall, a solid piece and would make a great addition to any Civil War or Medical collection. Shipping: There is some weight to this wooden water keg! This will be shipped via United Parcel Service (UPS). International Buyers Please Note: We do not ship outside of the United States! No Exceptions. In addition, we will not ship to third party shippers or any other international shipping hubs such as International Shipping (EIS), EIS 110 INTERNATIONALE BLVD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2080. If you place a bid, or make a purchase, we will cancel your bid, and or cancel your purchase! If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to find someone located within the United States to make the purchase for you. They would be responsible to send the package to you.