Original German WWII Afrikakorps Coconut Canteen by Heinrich Ritter with Cup and Harness – 1941 & 1943 Dated Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original German Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) laminated wood canteen (Tropen Feldflasche), often referred to as the “coconut” canteen, due to its unusual appearance. These are constructed of pressed laminated wood over an aluminum body, sometimes secured by rayon straps.

The compressed wood laminate is in very good condition, with no major cracks or defects. Comes complete with the original DAK color cotton web carrying harness and its leather strap around the neck, which are both in very good condition. The rear belt attachment buckle on the harness is painted in gray and is maker marked Patent / Ritter, while the front strap buckle has a marking that we cannot read. Canteen features the correct aluminum core and an original aluminum cap, which still has the correct  rubber seal. The back of the canteen is clearly marked:

D.R.G.M.
H.R.E. 41
D.R.P. angm.

The maker marking on this indicates manufacture by Heinrich Ritter of Esslingen in 1941. The other markings indicate that it is a registered design with the German trademark office. The cap is marked HRE 43, so the cap or the whole rig was replaced at some point with a later model from the same maker.

The included steel cup is also in very good condition, with green paint on the outside, and black enamel on the inside. The cup the expected small dents from use, as well as wear, and there are a few areas of enamel loss inside. The cup is marked AEMA 44, so it was probably taken from another set at some point.

Condition overall is very good, showing light use. The cotton web is in good shape with no fraying, and all the buckles are intact and work. This is a great and rare Afrika Korps canteen with cup. A fine addition to any collection.