Original U.S. WWII Rare M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteen With Matching Cup in Named 2nd Pattern USMC Carrier - Dated 1942

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional example of a lightly used USMC 2nd Model Canteen Cover. This carrier was essentially the same as the 1st Pattern, except the regular press snaps were replaced by Lift-the-Dot fasteners. Housed inside of this really nice example is an equally attractive and rare M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteen With Matching Cup, both in excellent condition. The cover & 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 chipping on the cup but the canteen retains nearly all of its porcelain finish. The bottom of the cover is stenciled with E.L. RYAN, which could be a number of different marines during that period with this name, including Earle L. Ryan and Earnest L. Ryan. A good research project.

A great set ready for further research and display.