Original canteens were shiney. They may not look that way now since 130 + years will take the shine off most anything. If you pull the cover off of an original that is in good shape, it is usually shiney where it has been protected by the cover. Sometimes if sand or dust gets in the cover it will dull the finish by rubbing against the tin. If you are reenacting you want your canteen to look new. I have seen dug ones that you could chip a piece of rust off and see shine underneath. If you want a hot dipped rather than plated tin canteen they can be bought.