Medical large Canteen – Labeflasche – HRE 40

The large canteen or Labeflasche is a canteen issued to mountain troops and medical personnel. These Gebirgsjäger and Sanitäter needed a larger capacity canteen. These canteens where made in 1, 1,5 and 2 liter capacity. They come in a variety of different straps. The mountain troops or Gebirgsjäger where issued with a large canteen that resembles the standard M31 Feldflasche with a single strap. The Sanitäter where issued one with a complete different strap. Their canteen has a harness that goes all around with a large carrying sling. The Labeflasche was made in aluminium (M31) and steel (M42). Most of these Labeflaschen where made until the end in aluminum but some steel variants are seen.

Markings: HRE 40  on the cup
Maker: HRE indicates production by Heinrich Ritter, Esslingen.
Year: 1940
Strap: Untanned leather
Flask: Aluminium, 1 liter variant
Cup: Painted
Cover: Felt with four painted press studs
Other notes: