WWII U.S. M1942 Black Porcelain Enamel Canteen with Cover by U.S.S.CO. (1942)

Description

This is an original and rather uncommon WWII U.S. M1942 black porcelain enamel canteen with its original cover. The canteen was manufactured in 1942 by United States Stamping Co. of Moundsville, West Virginia. Due to aluminum shortages, alternative material was sought for canteens. Among those considered was lower quality metals finished in porcelain enamel. They were not well received by troops, though. When the canteen was dented, small chips of enamel would flake off, contaminating the water inside. As a result, most enamel canteens were removed from service, making them quite rare today. Its black bakelite cap is marked inside with a small, interlaced "W.S. Co." marking and mold number of "47", denoting production by Wheeling Stamping Co. of Wheeling, West Virginia. The canvas cover's manufacturer's and date marking have unfortunately faded beyond legibility, however it exhibits a side seam, first introduced in 1941 and standardized the following year.

Provenance

Private Collection, Dublin, Georgia

Condition Report

This canteen is in fair, well used condition, with most of its enamel finish still intact; however, its cap cork is missing. The cover's bottom is torn; however, its two closure snaps are still intact and functional.