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 Heinrich Ritter company produced this before, during, and after the war, using different markings.

The compressed wood laminate is in very good condition, with no major cracks or defects. Comes complete with an original canvas carrying harness and its leather strap around the neck, which are both in very good condition, though they definitely do show some wear due to age. The rear belt attachment buckle on the harness is maker-marked Patent / Ritter.

The canteen features the correct aluminum core and an original early bakelite cap, which still has the correct rubber seal. The bakelite cap does not have a date we can see, but it may have mold markings under the washer, however we were not able to remove it. The back of the canteen is clearly marked:

D.R.G.M.
H.R.E.43
D.R.P.angm
9

The included aluminum cup is in very good condition, showing a bit of wear from service, and is a very rare 1945-dated example! It is stamped HRE45.

Condition overall is very good, showing moderate use. The main condition issues involve the leather pieces of the harness, which definitely have shrunken over time. Definitely a set that saw long use during the war.

This is a great and rare Afrika Korps canteen with a cup. A fine addition to any collection.