Original German WWII Afrikakorps Coconut Canteen by Heinrich Ritter with Bakelite Cup and Web Harness - 1942 Dated

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original German Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) laminated wood canteen (Tropen Feldflasche), often referred to as the "coconut" canteen, due to its unusual appearance. These are constructed of pressed laminated wood over an aluminum body, sometimes secured by rayon straps.

The compressed wood laminate is in very good condition, with no major cracks or defects, showing some wear to the exterior. Comes complete with the original DAK color cotton web carrying harness and its leather strap around the neck. The harness is in very good condition, showing light wear, and the leather strap around the neck is still relatively soft, though we did not try to undo the buckle. The rear belt attachment buckle on the harness is painted in gray and is maker marked Patent / Ritter, while the front strap buckle has a D.R.G.M. / HRE 41 marking for Ritter. There is also an LUX marking on the metal end fittings of the securing harness.

Canteen features the correct aluminum core and an original bakelite cap, which still has the correct rubber seal, though part of the cap has broken off. The back of the canteen is clearly marked:

D.R.G.M.
H.R.E. 42
D.R.P. angm.

The maker marking on this indicates manufacture by Heinrich Ritter of Esslingen in 1942. The other markings indicate that it is a registered design with the German trademark office. The included bakelite cup has a mold mark on the bottom, and has a small chip on the bottom edge, but no other damage.

Condition overall is very good, showing light use. The cotton web is in good shape with no fraying, and all the buckles are intact and work. This is a great and rare Afrika Korps canteen with cup. A fine addition to any collection.