{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-large-1-liter-m31-medic-labeflasche-canteen-with-mn-38-marked-aluminum-cup-shoulder-strap","title":"Original German WWII Large 1-Liter M31 Medic Labeflasche Canteen with MN 38-Marked Aluminum Cup \u0026 Shoulder Strap","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice German WWII large-capacity M31 Labeflasche, the 1-liter version of the familiar German field canteen. The distinctive full leather harness and long shoulder sling identify this configuration as the type associated with German military medical personnel, or \u003ci\u003eSanitäter\u003c\/i\u003e. Large-capacity canteens were also issued to mountain troops, but those generally used a different, simpler carrying arrangement. The medical pattern is characterized by the harness surrounding the body of the flask together with the separate shoulder strap seen on this example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe canteen consists of an aluminum flask enclosed in its brown wool\/felt cover, a black-painted aluminum drinking cup, and the substantial leather carrying harness. The cup is clearly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMN 39\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cb\u003eMN\u003c\/b\u003e marking is generally attributed to \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eMetallindustrie GmbH, Neunkirchen-Saar (MENESA)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, with the \"39\" indicating 1939 production. Of particular interest, the aluminum flask itself carries a later-style \u003ci\u003eReichsbetriebsnummer\u003c\/i\u003e on the neck:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e0\/0570\/0138\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exact R.B.Nr. has been documented on German field bottles, although the specific manufacturer behind it has not yet been conclusively identified. Current specialist research associates the \u003cb\u003e0570\u003c\/b\u003e district code with the \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLüdenscheid\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e area, an important center of German metalware production. The Reichsbetriebsnummer system was increasingly applied to wartime manufacturers beginning during the later part of the conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly interesting feature is the hardware used on the wool cover. The press studs are marked \u003cb\u003eDE WOERD\u003c\/b\u003e and display the company's distinctive male duck emblem. The name is fitting, as \u003ci\u003ewoerd\u003c\/i\u003e is Dutch for a male duck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe canteen is in good condition. The brown wool cover remains substantially complete and shows expected wear and surface matting from age. The leather harness and long shoulder strap remain present, with dryness and surface cracking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black-painted aluminum cup retains a good amount of its original finish with scattered paint loss, scratches, and edge wear. The buckles and other metal fittings show expected oxidation and age. The \u003ci\u003eDe Woerd\u003c\/i\u003e press studs remain identifiable, with surface oxidation consistent with the rest of the equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aluminum bottle shows normal age and wear beneath the cover. It has not been tested for liquid retention and is offered strictly as a historical collectible. Please consult the photographs for the exact condition of all components.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with any original WWII canteen, \u003cstrong\u003eit has not been tested for water tightness and is intended for historical display or collecting rather than modern drinking use.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe German Feldflasche Modell 1931, generally known to collectors as the M31 canteen, became the standard German military water bottle during the 1930s and remained in widespread use throughout WWII. The standard soldier's bottle had a capacity of approximately 0.8 liters and was normally carried attached directly to the soldier's field equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger-capacity Labeflaschen were produced for personnel requiring an increased supply of drinking water. Among the best-known users were German medical personnel, whose duties could keep them away from normal resupply while treating and evacuating wounded soldiers. These larger bottles were typically carried with a more extensive leather harness and a long shoulder sling, as seen on this example. Large-capacity canteens were also used in other specialized roles, including by mountain troops, though the carrying arrangements could differ.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45751833985093,"sku":"ONSV26CC048","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26CC048__02.jpg?v=1789402423","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-large-1-liter-m31-medic-labeflasche-canteen-with-mn-38-marked-aluminum-cup-shoulder-strap","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}