"Cavalry" cup and canteen question

[dimmuborgir95]

Richard, many thanks for your clarification. I have nowhere else could not find such accurate information on any site or books.

(BTW the image posted here was apparently lifted from an online auction where the seller is trying to profit from the sale of digital prints of images that are public domain and available online for down loading.)

Yes, when I was looking photos of the Civil War soldiers with a canteens in the Library of Congress website, then later I saw the same picture sold at Ebay.

[dimmuborgir95]

Richard, EX-54 covers have "official model name"? ( for example, as in most models - "Cover, Canteen Ex-54"), or they were considered to be experimental, and did not have a "name"?

Attachment 74911
Attachment 74910

[RT Ellis]

I was photographing canteen covers and in the process took images of the examples of the canteen covers converted to mounted use at hand, as was mentioned in the original posts on this thread. I reviewed “Manual for Non-commissioned Officers and Privates of Cavalry of the Army of the Untied States” edition of 1917 and my own research into the Ordnance Department documents related to this matter.

To review the original question was why two cups were issued, and the discussion in subsequent posts explained at least part of the situation. The two images provided in the manual, which generated the question, illustrate different equipment authorizations. The photo titled “Equipment Arranged for Inspection” shows the 1914 equipment authorization of canteen M1910, canteen cover M1910, and cup (aluminum) M1908. The photo titled “McClellan Saddle, Full Pack Off Side” illustrates the equipment authorized in 1916, canteen M1910, canteen cup M1910, and canteen cover (dismounted) modified for use on McClellan saddle.

The equipment lists on pages 30-31in the manual reflects the 1914 authorization: the sub-notes state, “*In lieu of these the canteen, model of 1910, with canteen cover , dismounted, may be issued.” This is what was illustrated in the image titled “Equipment Arranged for Inspection.”

On pages 34-35 the instructions for packing the saddle states: “Canteen snapped into off cantle ring, canteen strap passing through the handle of the cup, except the cup model 1910, which is fitted over the bottom of the canteen, model 1910, inside the cover.” The canteen M1910, carried in the canteen cover (dismounted) M1910 modified fur use on McClellan saddle, is shown in the image. No cup is shown so it can be assumed the cup issued was canteen cup M1910, and not cup (aluminum) M1908.

According to the manual a cavalry soldier in 1917 could have been issued a canteen M1910, canteen cover (dismounted) M1910, and cup (aluminum) M1908, all to be carried in the saddle bags. Or canteen M1910, canteen cover (dismounted) M1910 modified for use on McClellan saddle, and cup (aluminum M1908 or canteen cup M1910.

As was previously reported the complaints from the using units in 1915 were that the canteen M1910, and canteen cover (dismounted) M1910 authorized in 1914, and by regulations to be carried in the saddle bags, was taking up too much room needed for other things in the saddle bags. The Cavalry Board and Ordnance Department in 1916 designed a modification of the canteen cover (dismounted) M1910 that consisted of riveting leather loops to the cover, and running a re-configured leather cavalry canteen strap. This canteen cover was officially known as canteen cover (dismounted) M1910 modified for use on McClellan saddle. The Chief of Ordnance ordered RIA to prepare instructions and cavalry canteen straps for issue to units for modifying the canteen covers (dismounted) M1910 by unit artificers. Rock Island Arsenal in 1916 manufactured leather canteen straps specifically for this program, and this same strap was incorporated into the specifications for canteen cover (mounted) m1917.

In practice the modifications of the canteen covers didn’t exactly conform to the instructions, although the results were what was required to attach the canteen and canteen cover to the saddle.

Illustration A shows a canteen cover (dismounted) M1910 that was modified per the instructions with leather loops riveted to the sides and bottom. The double belt hook was removed by cutting away the loop of the web billet. The leather strap and snap hook were salvaged from other horse equipment, and the strap was lapped and sewn so no length adjustment was provided.

Illustration B shows a canteen cover that was apparently originally a canteen cover (mounted) M1910 that was modified per the instruction with the assembly of leather loops riveted to the sides and bottom, and removal of the snap hook (and subsequent re-assembly of a snap hook). The markings on this canteen cover were for 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Troop A, soldier’s number 32.

Illustration C shows a canteen cover modified from a canteen cover (dismounted) M1910 manufactured in early 1918, with lift the dot snap fasteners. The canteen cover was modified per the instructions with leather loops riveted to the sides and bottom. The double belt hook and web billet were removed. The adjustable leather strap assembled to this canteen cover is an example of the straps manufactured by RIA specifically for the modification program.

[dimmuborgir95]

Richard, many thanks for your detailed explanations! I am very grateful to you for help.