Original U.S. WWII Set of Two Rare M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteens - Both Dated 1942
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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 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 for this reason.
This is a very nice set of two very good condition M1942 black porcelain canteen bottles, both of which are dated 1942 on the bottom. Both show some denting on the exterior, which has resulted in loss of the porcelain and subsequent oxidation. Both have their original caps and chains, but are missing the washers.
One is marked bottom is marked with a white paint stamp reading:
U.S.
U.S.S.CO.
1942
This is the maker marking for U.S. Stoneware Co., a known manufacturer. This example has the more knurled top cap.
The other example is marked on the bottom with:
U.S.
1942
B E CO
This is another known maker, however we have not been able to identify the name. The cap is the more finely knurled type, and is cracked on one side.
A very nice set of two rare canteens, ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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