Original 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. 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, 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.

This set is in very good condition, especially the canteen itself, which has no dents and a nearly perfect enamel coating. It still has the original stopper cap, retained by the correct galvanized steel chain. The bottom is marked with a white paint stamp:

Vollrath Mfg. Co. of Sheboygan, Wisconsin was one of the Six companies contracted to manufacture the enameled canteens. As they were an enameled cookware company this was right up their alley. After these were discontinued they still made all kinds of cookware and other items for the War Effort, as well as "standard" canteens. During the war Vollrath made around 12 million canteens total, and won awards for the wartime production.

The canteen cup is in somewhat lesser condition than the canteen, and does have significant enamel chipping around the top edge, as well as the bottom. The handle still has some of the original enamel, and is marked by another well-known company:

The Landers, Frary & Clark company of New Britain, CT. L.F. & C. was established in 1865 and produced a wide variety of housewares, cutlery and event appliances. Many of their products were marketed under the trade name Universal. The products of L.F. & C. included everything from scales, mousetraps and ice skates to electric ranges and toasters. They made Trench knives during WWI, and all types of items during WWII.

The canteen and cup are held in their correct WWII Issue carrier, which is in great condition. It looks to have been washed, so it does not have any markings anymore.

Overall this is a great complete rare canteen set, ready to add to your collection and display!