P37 Canteen Stopper

[DutchIndo]

I have a 1917 and a 1942 canteen with the aluminum cap. I never used them when I re-enacted though. I have about 4 WWII steel ones also with the cups. Back before the WWII fad you were able to pick them up for 5 bucks.
Now... forget it ! I also own a couple of the Brit ones unissued. They are still plentiful until a movie about about the 8th Army in No Africa comes out. I learned long ago Hollywood causes the spike in Militaria sales. Watch when this new Spielberg series comes out Marine Corp stuff will disappear. Jim I read somewhere they issued WWII C-Rats early in Viet-Nam.

 

[JimInSoCalif]

Thanks for the info. It is really hard to imagine that they made, or were even able to make, that many c-rats in 1944. Maybe by Viet-Nam they were into the stock from 1945 - assuming they made the stuff in 1945.

Cheers, Jim.

 

[David Conwill]

I actually finally got a canteen stopper from WPG! I ordered the Royal Navy submarine sweater repo they make (alas, it was too short in the arms, so I’m waiting for a return code), and had the presence of mind to get a stopper at the same time. Unfortunately, I now realize that I don’t know where the canteen ended up in the move. It’ll turn up, though.

-Dave

 

[Story]

Too bad I didn't read this thread sooner, I have over a dozen wine corks accumulated here over the last two months that I'd have mailed you just for giggles.

They are still plentiful until a movie about about the 8th Army in No Africa comes out.

This one?
http://www.aintitcool.com/talkback_display/38167?q=node/38167

 

[benstephens]

Vulcano... Kelly..?

Maybe we should put in with David and get extra corks for our bottles.
I already have a brown mug but hmmm... maybe a white one.

B
T

Can you still get Vulcano kettles anywhere? A friend of mine used to use them in Aden in the 50s.

Kindest

Ben

 

[David Conwill]

As I mentioned, after I ordered my stopper, I couldn’t find my canteen. Now I’ve found my canteen, but seem to have misplaced my stopper!

(Please excuse the half-done wiring in the picture; My dad was helping me to re-wire the garage, but time had gotten away from us, and now he’s passed away, so that project is on hold until I get my ambition back.)

Anyway, my wife is concerned with the safety of drinking from a vessel that can’t be inspected or easily cleaned. Any suggestions on how to keep mouth bacteria from fouling my canteen?

She’s suggested I always pour my drinks into a cup, so maybe I’ll buy one of the enameled cups mentioned earlier in the thread, but that hardly seems practical in the field.

-Dave

 

[Sgt Brown]

(Snipped)
Anyway, my wife is concerned with the safety of drinking from a vessel that can’t be inspected or easily cleaned. Any suggestions on how to keep mouth bacteria from fouling my canteen?

She’s suggested I always pour my drinks into a cup, so maybe I’ll buy one of the enameled cups mentioned earlier in the thread, but that hardly seems practical in the field.

-Dave

Actually, it is quite easily cleaned. Just rinse it out regularly with white vinegar, a drinkable antiseptic. As for mouth cooties, if you don't share your canteen with others, it doesn't matter if you drink directly. As I say, just remember to pour some vinegar in when you get home and again before you use it next time.

Some Brit canteens are enameled in blue with black or white flecks - AKA "granite ware". Walked into an antique store and found a bare (no case) Brit canteen listed as "Granite Ware Bottle - $100". BOY were they not happy when I told them what they had and asked if I could bring a half dozen more over for them to sell for me at that price!

Tom

 

[Phantomfixer]

I have a half dozen USGI rattling around in the back of my 46 Willys. At shows I carry a 5 gallon water cooler. Just swish some water in one of them and drink away. Vinegar?? Bleach???