Original Item: Only One Available. Experience in North Africa led the US Army to begin trials to update the field uniform. The resulting M-1943 experimental uniform saw many items adopted for service, including the M-43 field jacket and the classic M-43 double buckle combat boots. An interesting design that fell just short was the M-1943 2 Quart collapsible canteen, the forerunner of the bladder canteens of Vietnam. The M-43 was never fully standardized, although many were sent to be tested by Merrill's Marauders in Burma.

Manufactured by International ‘Latex Corp. Dover Del’ USA 1945. This canteen was one item that was included in the 1943 Experimental Combat Outfit, only parts were accepted (the M43 Field Jacket and the M1943 Pack for example) but the collapsible canteen was not accepted as it was deemed “simply beyond the state of the art” and would be placed on hold awaiting better plastic and molding processes.

The canteen and cover is offered in great condition. The “US” is faded on the front but can still be read, unfortunately the makers information on the back is too faded to be read, but its the same information stamped on the bladder:

MANUFACTURED BY
INTERNATIONAL LATEX CORPS
DOVER, DEL., U.S.A.
1945

There are no holes or damage to the cover and as far as we can tell, there's no damage to the bladder either. Overall great condition for a very uncommon canteen.

Hydration is key in combat, without water our men and women would collapse as heat casualties. It was very common, especially in the Pacific for the fighting men to go without water, especially due to the Japanese poisoning and contaminating water sources. Items as small as a canteen played a very big role in the fight during WWII.

Now's your chance to own a beautiful piece of experimental U.S. WWII equipment!