I came across this one by luck. This was discovered by the home owner when he built his house in Spanish Fort in 1950. He kept it until old age where by luck I was able to acquire it. His house was built right on top of a trench.
No paint. The area where it was found is full of good old fashioned red clay (thus the name Red Fort). My guess is over time the clay added theredish tint. It has the same color inside the spout.
The last major untouched section of the battle of SPanish Fort is being developed for houses. I asked the owner if I could check the area before he started flattening everything but he said he used to do that but the "relic guys" left such a mess that he just cut them all off. As I was talking to him they were filling in the last remnents of a trench. I thought I would throw up on the spot :P
He told me the last guy he let out there found 50 mini balls in an afternoon. There is no telling what is out there. OK I am sick to my stomach again.
What a shame. I used to hunt there in the early 90s. Last time I went through there there were so many houses I could not believe it. I wish I would of had a good detector back then.No telling how much stuff I have walked over and not detected.
I took this item to the Antique Roadshow in Mobile, AL this morning. They had never seen an intact canteen from this area. I saw a ton of unbelievable Civil War guns and documents from old familes that have a long history here is South Alabama. I learned the value of several smaller items. It was a great experience. I recommend itif anyone ever gets a chance.