Original U.S. WWII Rare M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteen in Carrier & M1936 Pistol Belt

Original Item: Only One Available. Early in World War II, aluminum was urgently needed for aircraft. Therefore, in 1942 stainless steel canteens were substituted for aluminum and alternative materials were investigated, such as plastic for canteens. Another idea for conserving the most valuable metals was to use a lower quality metal with a porcelain enameled coating.

The result was this, the M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteen.  Unfortunately, this "experiment" was not successful at all, and there were numerous complaints from the field, as the chipped enamel inside from a dent would result in water contamination, and overall the canteens were just not very resilient. They were quickly removed from service, and replaced by the standard aluminum canteens that everyone is familiar with today. They are very scarce on the market.

This set is in very good condition, especially the canteen itself, which has few dents and only small chips in the porcelain enamel which appear to have been covered in black paint. It still has the original stopper cap, retained by the correct galvanized steel chain, though the washer is missing.

The bottom is marked with a white paint stamp:

U.S.
REP
1942

REP represents the Republic Stamping and Enameling Co. (REP or R.E.P.Co.)

The canteen is held in a standard web carrier which is marked G.& R. CO. / 1942. The carrier is well worn. The M1936 pistol belt is marked R.M. CO. / 1942.

Overall this is a great complete rare canteen set, ready to add to your collection and display!