Original German WW2 Medic Aluminum M31 Canteen Marked W.A.L 38

SKU: GERMAN MEDIC M31 CANTEEN W.A.L. 38

Original/Reproduction: Original 

Availability: In-Stock

Manufacturer: Germany

Date Manufactured: 1938

Model: M31 W.A.L.38

Size / Dimensions: 

Materials / Construction: Metal, Wool, Leather

Condition: Very Good

Price: $400.00

Seller Type: WW2C

Seller ID: JMW

Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.

Description

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 W.A.L. 38, and the canteen body is marked W.A.L. 38, and the canteen screw cap W.A.L. 38. All the straps, buckles, and snaps are fully intact. Some minor surface cracks can be observed on the leather in certain areas. The black exterior of the canteen cup exhibits minor scratches in a few places. The original sealing washer in the cap remains in place, and the felt cover is in excellent condition.

History

The M31 canteens, with a capacity of 0.8 liters, served as the standard issue canteens for field medics. In contrast, medical personnel were provided with larger canteens, ranging from one and a half to two liters in capacity. These larger medical canteens were inspired by the ones used by their counterparts during World War I. While they shared the same design as the standard M31 canteens, they were equipped with a distinct carrying harness and shoulder strap assembly. Initially, mountain troops and medical canteens were crafted from aluminum. However, due to the increasing demand for aluminum in the production of more vital items, there was a shift towards manufacturing these canteens using steel. Given the paramount importance of access to clean drinking water for one's well-being, the mountain troops and medical canteen must be regarded as a highly significant piece of equipment.