1941 canteen

[lucky52]

Does anyone ever see any 1941 canteens?I know the 41 stuff is rare but I have never ever seen one.Thanks.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Would that be a model 1910 canteen? Just marked 1941? I may know of one for sale in my area...I'd have to check.

[lucky52]

Yes,the M1910 model.I was just curious if anybody has ever seen one.

[Brit-Tex]

I have a couple of 1941 mess kits but don't recall seeing any canteens either.

[RT Ellis]

Two companies manufactured the canteen M1910 in 1941, that were similar to the canteens produced in 1918, on a later specification.

I have recorded canteens marked "T.A.C.U. Co. \ 1941" manufactured by The Aluminum Cooking Utensil Company. (I don't have the information on this contract)

Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Co. marked "A.G.M.Co. \ 1941" contract W-431 QM-00058L
“L” suffix to contract number designates equipment manufactured for Lend Lease. In this case it is unknown what country the canteens were manufactured for. It is possible that the T.A.C.U.Co. canteens were also contracted for lend lease.

[lucky52]

Thanks RT.

[kosmolinekid]

Are you talking U.S ? I know the Marines had their version during WWII. They were black enameled and had a slightly different carrier. I own a 1918 and a 1942 stamped aluminum canteen that has an aluminum screw top. Before the internet I used to study photo's and went from there. I had seen the ones in my collection in that famous Pre-D-Day photo of those 101 guys putting on War Paint. That famous photo stumped me for a couple of reasons back then. You can see them with those canteens and rigger ammo pouches. It was not till years later that I knew about rigger pouches. If I can figure out how to post pictures I will post my collection of original Field gear.

[RT Ellis]

The enamel or porcelain Canteen M-1942 was neither experimental or a Marine Corps initiative. The Army QMC in 1942 contracted with seven manufacturers for more than 5 million of these canteens. The unsatisfactory chipping of the enamel was reported in every test and trial of the Canteen M-1942 and the Army ordered that the canteen be deleted from issue at ports of embarkation. The Marine Corps received relatively few of these canteens and published the following:

Extract from letter, The Quartermaster, Philadelphia Depot to The Quartermaster, USMC, "New Type Army Canteen and Cup, Canteen" September 21, 1942, (RG127 E140):
“1. There is being forwarded to your office this date, under separate cover, one new type Army canteen and one cup, canteen. From tests at this depot, the canteen and cup are so constructed that the least little knock will cause the enamel to chip. It is further noted that if the canteen should get a knock on the outside, that the enamel on the inside chips off and powders, which it is believed would be injurious to men in the event these canteens receive considerable blows in maneuvers in the field. This information is furnished at this time for any action the Quartermaster considers advisable.
2. While it is realized that this is probably the best substitute that can be procured at this time, in the event that the Army does change this type of canteen to plastic or any other material, it is recommended that steps be taken to secure any new type that may be made.
3. To date this depot has received a total of 29,835 canteens and 26,634 cups, canteen of this new type, of which 12,641 canteens and 5,529 cups, canteen have been shipped to organizations leaving a stock on hand of 17,194 canteens and 21,105 cups, canteen on hand.
4. In the event that these canteens and cups, after a test in the field, do not prove satisfactory for combat service and no substitute is immediately available, it is recommended that all posts and stations within the United States be directed to submit requisitions to this office and San Francisco for this new type canteen and cup and upon receipt return all serviceable aluminum canteens and cups to the depot from which supplies are ordinarily obtained. Replacements to combat troops could then be made with aluminum canteens and cups until satisfactory substitute is developed.”

Extract from memorandum, Maj. Gen. John H. Russell, The Commandant of the Marine Corps to Marine Corps wide distribution, October 5, 1942, (Ibid):
“All accountable officers within the United States except FMF [Fleet Marine Force] units to return all serviceable aluminum canteens and cups now on hand and in use, to the depot from which supplies are usually obtained. The aluminum canteens and cups to be replaced by those having enamel coating.”

I invite your attention to this thread on another forum that I contributed: Anybody Ever Seen One of these Canteens? in The Militaria Forum Forum