Original U.S. WWII Rare M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteen With Matching Cup in Field-Camouflaged 3rd Pattern USMC Carrier - Dated 1942
In stock
-
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional example of a well-used USMC "Rabbit Ears" 3rd Model Canteen Cover with a field-applied camouflage paint. This is the 3rd version of the carrier, which is identical to the 4th version, except that there is no "drain hole" in the bottom of the carrier. Housed inside of this really nice example is an equally attractive and rare M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteen With Porcelain Enamel Cup, both in very good 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.
The cover has a period-applied camouflage green paint, with heavy wear in spots showing the canvas underneath. The canteen shows heavy chipping in the enamel, but the bottom stamp is still clear:
U.S.
1942
B.E. CO.
The cup is in fair condition but has some oxidation on the rim and heavy wear to the handle as shown, and some chips in the porcelain enamel across the cup. The folding handle is marked with U.S. / L.F.&C. / 1942.
The canteen set came with a printout of the muster rolls of Sergeant Jesse R. Simpson, who served with the Headquarters Company, 2nd Marine Raider Battalion. However we cannot confirm that this was his as it is not named to him.
A great set ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
