DOUGHBOYS: World War I-Canteens, Cups, and Covers

Canteens, Cups, and Covers Click on the images for a larger image.
Evolution of the M1910 canteen

From 1910 though 1918 the alluminum canteen went through several changes. The orginal canteen was of one piece construction, often called the "spun" canteen because it was manufactured using an elaborate process where the canteen was spun on a lathe. These canteens had a flat topped cap. Several variants of the cap exist. The cap was secured to the canteen with a silver alloy chain connected to a silver ring which swivelled around the canteen's neck. Carl Panak Collection
The first major change to the canteen occured in 1913 which resulted in the two piece, welded construction. The original "spun" process was deemed too complex and expensive thus two halves of the canteen's body were welded together in a simplified construction process. The welding created a noticeable vertical seam along the canteen's body distinguishing it from the "spun" canteen. The cap was also changed, featuring full knurling ( the vertical reeded look), though the cap was still flat-topped. The silver swivelling ring around the canteen's neck was still retained. Keystone Collection
1914 saw further change to the canteen involving the cap which was now domed versus the flat top of the earlier caps. The swiveling ring was aslo eliminated and now was welded to the neck of the canteen. The canteen would remain unchanged through the early 1940's. Carl Panak Collection
In 1916 a limited number of canteens were maunfactured using the "spun" process . This canteen featured the 1914 domed cap and fixed ring around the canteen's neck. Carl Panak Collection

1918 saw the addition of the manufacturers' stamps and dated added to the rear of the canteen on it's distictive concave. Canteens manufactured before 1918 did not bear a date or manufacturers' mark.
M1910 canteen cup
New to the soldier's accouterments with the M1910 Equipment was the canteen cup which had a foldable handle. Prior to 1910 the soldier's cup was cylindrical in shape and had a fixed handle. When not in use the cup would be carried hanging from the canteen's strap or haversack strap. The 1910 model cup could now be conveniently stowed in the canteen carrier and the canteen would fit inside the cup. This canteen cup is undated so it predates 1917. Only cups made in 1918 were dated, along with the manufacturing company.

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