M42 Canteen – Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF) – Schindler
A small diversity of canteens used by the German army during the second world war. The Wehrmacht used a lot of different materials to produce these canteens. Aluminium and steel is used to form the flasks. Steel variants have been introduced with various finishes as early as 1942.
Also a wide variation of strap material is used from diverse sorts of leather and canvas. The covers are mostly made from felt which got really course by the end of the war. Later in the war italian uniform cloth known as gaberdine was used too. Also a 4th press stud from the cover was ommitted in the final years of production further simplifying the production.
Markings: None
Maker: Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF) – Oskar Schindler
Year: 1943-1945
Strap: One piece construction black leather
Flask: Blue enameled steel, 0.8 liter
Cup: Blue enamel steel cup
Cover: Felt
Other notes: Messkits and canteens enameled in these colours are attributed to be made by the Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF) ran by Oskar Schindler. Messkits and canteens, unmarked, in these specific colours have been found in the old factory storage of the former DEF. There are several other makers of enameled steel canteens and messkits but they all carry different characteristic features such as markings or specific colours. No other maker utilizes these light gray and blue colours and lacks markings. The light blue “wash” on top of the enamel is one of the typical features.
Please note these articles are for reference only and not for sale!
S. van Wingerden collection
