Gettysburg was the mecca for Civil War tourists ever since the smoke cleared from the fields of Adams County, Pennsylvania. During the heyday of post war Gettysburg collectibles enterprising minds turned to satisfying visitor's gifts and souvenirs with a variety of creative works of art: carved wood containing fired minie balls, lamps made of bayonets and cannonballs, relic boards, and war logs.
Clay was dug from the soil near the Seminary and the ridge nearby to produce these small souvenirs each barely an inch in diameter. The clay was molded into miniature canteens with brief descriptions of the people whose visages were inset in the center. The first here shows famous War of 1812 veteran John Burns on one side and civilian battle victim Jennie Wade on the opposite. The second shows Gen. Meade on one side and Gen. Hancock on the reverse.
They are still preserved in the cellophane and stiff paper frames they were sold in. Most of the museums and souvenir shops carried these marvelous tiny souvenirs. Due to their fragile nature few survived the ravages of time. These two are a perfect set.