Original U.S. WWII Rare M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteen With Matching Cup in 1st Pattern USMC Cover - Dated 1942

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of a lightly used USMC 1st Pattern Canteen Cover with durasnaps. Housed inside of this really nice example is an equally attractive and rare M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteen With Matching Cup, both in service-used condition. The canteen & cup are dated 1942.

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, especially with the original carrier and matching enameled canteen cup.

There is some heavy chipping and wear on the canteen but the cup is in better shape with minor chipping. The canteen’s cap is broken on one side with heavy oxidation staining. The bottom of the canteen is ink-stamped U.S. / REP / 1942. The bottom of the cover is inscribed with initials R.D.B..

A great set ready for further research and display.