questions about slat canteen

[mel.ifiedman]

hey all! apologies if this isnt the best thread to put this in, but i wasnt sure where else to put it. i bought this slat canteen at a yard sale about 2 years ago and decided that id finally fix it up and put it to good use.

i plan on removing the band and replacing it, since its a bit rusted and a bit busted, so i pulled out the nails, but now im stumped with these two big pieces holding it all together. any advice on how to remove these?
thanks in advance!

 

[Tumbledown]

Remove the strap and replace it with a cinched up belt, or use some webbing and tie it off.

 

[Colonial Boy]

Well, they look lke wood screws, so if you can’t get a decent grip on them then recut the driver slots and screw out.
Tip, use a new hacksaw blade with a bit of something comfy wrapped around it, much more control than in the saw frame.