These types of kegs had several uses. First, they were part of the standard equipment on all Union Ambulance Wagons during the Civil War and typically hung below the body between the wheels. There was no running water or water springs in the field so field doctors would wash their hands or the soldier's wounds with water from these kegs.

They were also used as Naval Wooden Water Kegs aboard both US Navy and Merchant Marine ships throughout the mid to late 19th Century and early to mid 20th Century. Onboard they were multi-purpose: to hold water for use below decks in the berthing spaces prior to shipboard plumbing, to hold the rum ration or grog when it was a daily ration, and as standard equipment on lifeboats.

This antique wooden water keg is made of oak and has six galvanized footed steel rings or steel bands so as to provide balance, prevent rust and retard oxidation from the humidity, water and salt indemic to sailing on the high seas. The squatness of the keg and feet also helped to stabilize the wooden cask during rough seas. It also has a threaded brass bung hole in the top of the cask for filling and a brass spigot on the end for dispensing.

If you're not interested in it for its historical significance, it also makes an interesting side table when stood on its end. It measures approximately 20"Lx8"H.