{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-experimental-ethocel-plastic-canteen-by-mack-molding-co-dated-1944","title":"Original U.S. WWII Experimental Ethocel Plastic Canteen by Mack Molding Co. - Dated 1943","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent rare example of an experimental Ethylcellulose Canteen. The canteen is marked on the bottom with \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. \/ 1943\u003c\/strong\u003e and a small maker logo that reads \u003cstrong\u003eMACK MOLDING CO\u003c\/strong\u003e. These canteens are very rare, and this one has heavy wear with residue inside. Before the Normandy landings and the beginning of the operations in Europe, the US army had already settled in Britain for several years and turned the territory into a true advanced base. To meet the needs of military equipment, it faced import problems from the United States because of the blockade led by German submarines: the dreaded U-Boots. As a result, contracts were made with local businesses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis canteen comes complete with the chain attached to the cap, and amazingly no stress cracks. The cork washer inside the cap is now gone, unfortunately. The overall condition of the canteen is very good, and from the looks of it, there are remnants of the baking powder that soldiers would put inside the canteen to combat the taste the plastic imparted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very rare WWII canteen, ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn an effort to manufacture a non-metallic a canteen during World War Two, the US government attempted to manufacture a plastic canteen using Dow Chemical's Ethyl Cellulose Plastic. The canteen was manufactured by several government suppliers, of which ANOS was one. Canteens started to be manufactured the middle of 1942 and were discontinued by 1944.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe canteens were typically issued to Pacific Theater Forces. This was a common canteen to find on the USMC web belt or discarded along the route of the Marine advance. The problem with the canteens was that they tended to eventually develop heat stress cracks. They also made the water they contained taste like bitter plastic. In order to combat the horrible taste of the water, soldiers routinely mixed baking powder in with the water when filling the canteen. Later plastics would not have this problem, but this design was unfortunately ahead of its time. The canteen is made of a two part mold, with each part being attached at the cup ring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44909589823557,"sku":"ONSV26NCS004","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26NCS004__01.jpg?v=1777076025","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-experimental-ethocel-plastic-canteen-by-mack-molding-co-dated-1944","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}