Period powdered milk can by Edelweiss Milchwerk

Period powdered milk can by Edelweiss Milchwerk K. Hoefelmayr-Kempten Allgau. This is a pre 1943 produced tin that used to contain powdered milk. These canisters were produced for the civilian market but most probably also found their way into the rucksacks of individual soldiers, bunkers or field kitchens. The can is most probably produced in 1943 or 1944 with its expiry dated reading 1945.  These canisters are also shown in the reference book by Jimmy L. Pool, Ruhetag: The Day to Day Life of the German Soldier in WWII, Vol. 1: Health and Hygiene on page 56. Which is a great book for any collector.

This canister is a period example produced prior to 1943. It is important for me to explain that these in no way have anything to do with the elsewhere offered ‘Edelweiss’ toilet paper rolls which are in fact modern fantasy items. The price on the top reads RM indicating Reichsmarks. Every 6 of these canisters are slightly different in height, colour and print. This is a great indication of the authenticity because a modern copy would be fully identical in all forms. You will get the pictured example which was produced in 1941 or 1942 with the expiry date reading 1943. I have found 6 of these canisters in good condition and I think I will not find more. Hard to find original ration item with a great and iconic image!