S01655 M31 CANTEEN CUP. (Trinkbecher für Feldflasche 31) 

BACKGROUND: Introduced in 1931 the standard issue M31 canteen was based on the WWI era M1893 and M1907 canteens with minor modifications. Originally the canteens were equipped with an aluminum cup but as the aluminum was required for more critically important items the cups began to be manufactured in bakelite and eventually in steel. The SS-FHA, SS-Führungshauptamt, (SS-Operational Headquarters), and the SS-WVHA, SS-Wirtschafts und Verwaltungs Hauptamt, (SS-Economic and Administration Department) were the two organizations responsible for supplying and maintaining all personnel of the SS. The SS-FHA was responsible for issuing the initial equipment, supply and maintenance of weapons and ammunition, and the supply of technical equipment and transport vehicles. The SS-WVHA, was responsible for issue of clothing and personal equipment items as well as rations including horse and pack animal fodder and personal fuel items 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Early pattern, black painted aluminum construction 3/8 liter capacity, M31 canteen cup. The roughly, 3" tall, 3 3/4" wide, 2 1/4" thick, elongated oval cup has a rolled back lip to the top edge, a raised, brazed on, strap retaining bracket to the obverse and dual, overlapping, swivel wire handles to the reverse, secured by a horizontal, brazed on, retaining tab. The cup only retains remnants of its original black paint. The cup is well marked with impressed SS runes and the RZM logo within circular borders flanking the manufactures contract number and date, "39/36", indicating an unknown manufacturer in 1936. The cup shows numerous small dings and dents.

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-E-Mail Address pawmac@nbnet.nb.ca  Or  guild@nb.aibn.com

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