BACKGROUND: During WWII the German army fielded nine Mountain Divisions with an additional six Waffen-SS, (Armed-SS), Mountain Divisions. Generally speaking the Mountain Divisions were specially trained and equipped Infantry Divisions designed for mountainous warfare. Each Division in the German Army of WWII also had Divisional Support units which included a medical unit that normally consisted of two companies, a mobile field hospital and two ambulance platoons. Although the .8 liter capacity, M31 canteens were the standard issue canteen, mountain troops and medical personnel were issued a larger, one and a half to two liter capacity canteen that was based on the larger canteens used by their WWI counterparts. These larger mountain troops/medical canteens were of identical design to the standard M31 canteens but came equipped with a different carrying harness and shoulder strap assembly. Originally the mountain troops/medical canteens were manufactured in aluminum but later as the aluminum was required for other more critically essential items the canteens began to be manufactured in steel. With potable fluids being such an essential item for an individuals well-being the mountain troops/medical canteen must be considered as a very important piece of kit.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Metal cup with black leather harness. Maker marked "SSL 40" (All matched). All straps, buckles and snaps are complete. Includes the original shoulder strap. Nice worn and used example showing the expected age and wear.