Original German WWII Large Medic Aluminum M31 Canteen Marked W.A.L. 43 with Bakelite Cup with Harness Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Although the .8 liter capacity M31 Feldflasche (Field Bottle) canteens were the standard issue canteen, field medics (Sanitäter) and medical personnel were issued a larger, one and a half to two liter capacity canteen that was based on the larger canteens used by their WWI counterparts. These larger medical canteens, called Labeflasche (refreshment bottle), were of identical design to the standard M31 canteens but came equipped with a different carrying harness and shoulder strap assembly. They were also utilized by Gebirgsjäger (Mountain Troopers) during the war.

Originally the mountain troops/medical canteens were manufactured in aluminum but later as the aluminum was required for other more critically essential items the canteens began to be manufactured in steel. With potable fluids being such an essential item for an individuals well-being the mountain troops/medical canteen must be considered as a very important piece of kit.

This is a very good example, featuring a bakelite cap and cup, as well as a black pebble grain leather harness. The neck of the aluminum bottle is marked W.A.L. 43, as is the inside of the wool cover. This indicates manufacture by Westfalische Aluminium Industrie, Junger & Co. of Lüdenscheid, Germany. The bakelite cap and cup have mold marks, which we are unfortunately not able to identify. The harness also has the same marking.

All straps, buckles and snaps are complete. However, the leather is definitely degraded and stretched out, so we do not recommend trying to undo some of the buckles, as the leather may crack.

A very nice example, ready to display!