WWII German M31 Canteen
The M31 canteen was introduced in 1931. Standard issue capacity was .8 liter. Initially the cups were manufactured in aluminum, but as the war progressed, changed to bakelite and finally steel. Aluminum cups are 1/4 liter capacity and the container held .8 liters. Aluminum cups were produced in black, olive tan (tropical) and green. Markings on early cups and canteen necks should be the same. Uppercase letters are manufacturer abbreviations, not codes that appear in lower case later (40-41?). Examples: L&SL, DMN, MN, KK, HGF, H.R.E., M & C, AEM.A, G&CL, C&CW. Bakelite cups are shiny in appearance, repros are dull looking indicating plastic.
1939
KCL 39
Complete canteen with black painted aluminum cup, cap, felt cover, and leather strap. All matching maker and date "RFI 39" on cap, bottle, strap (ink), and felt cover (ink). The cover has some moth holes but does not distract. Four star pattern snaps are present on cover. Cup is stamped with what appears to be "ZPSFZ 3". Named to soldier "Biller". (20060924)
RFI 39
Matching RFI 39 canteen with cap. Faint "RFI" inside opening of felt cover. Can't make out year. Cover seems original to canteen. Missing drinking cup. Should be black painted aluminum??? Leather strap is weak where it attached to the equipment hook.