Original German WWII Medic Aluminum M31 Canteen with Large Cup and Belt Hook – Maker Marked and Dated Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Although the .8 liter capacity, M31 canteens were the standard issue canteen, field medics 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 were of identical design to the standard M31 canteens but came equipped with a different carrying harness and shoulder strap assembly.

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 great example of one of the early production aluminum Medic Canteens, complete a large aluminum cup with handle, which bear maker marks and dates. It comes with the original felt wool cover and black leather harness, which has an aluminum belt hook on the back, to help secure the canteen during fast movement. The Aluminum cup is marked O.H.W. 40, while the canteen body is marked W.A.L. 38, and the canteen screw cap S.S.L. 39. The companies that made the Aluminum components for canteens often did not use three letter codes, so these are actually abbreviations of the makers name, and the date. We were unfortunately unable to identify the makers, however these are all known maker marks.

All of the straps, buckles and snaps are complete. There are surface cracks on the leather in places but all appear minor. The black finish on the outside of the canteen cup has worn through in places. The original sealing washer in the cap is still present, and the felt cover is excellent.

Overall this is a great complete example of a very hard to find canteen, with a great aged look. Ready to display!