Is this cantine safe?

[Erik_james]

Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place. But since it is about a water cantine, I figured that it would fall under the gear catagory. I am trying to find a water cantine (the kind that clips on your belt.) I found one on ebay but im not sure if it is safe to use. Could someone please tell me what kinds of medals were used to make ww2 us water cantines? I dont want to buy it if it could have lead in the cantine. I'm sending a email to the seller but I have a feeling that he will just say he doesnt know whats it made of.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...503931804&rd=1

Thanks

Erik

[tharkad1]

Get a canteen cover from any era you want. (the part that attaches to your belt and holds the canteen)
However if you want to use a canteen for actual drinking, i suggest you get a Modern plastic canteen from a surplus store/outdoor store. You are better off being safe, and it won't really make a difference with the period look you want for your gear setup, as the canteens are usually OD. They also fit in the old covers too. I used a modern one in my nam covers.

[Erik_james]

I think il just ask the seller if he will sell me the cantine cover, and I'll just use on of those plastic ones from the surplus store im sure it will fit. Right??

Thanks

[tharkad1]

You may just want to check your surplus store for a cover that is very similar to that anyway.
The cdn 82 webbing had a canteen cover with vertical stictching much like that one. Only without a US stamp on it. You could easily use one of those, which would be much cheaper in the long run. Plus it attached using velcro, so it would fit on alomst any belt!

[Erik_james]

I will check out my surplus store. But il have to drive 150km because the surplus store where I live doesnt like airsofters. So im not suposed to give him any buisness. But do you have any idea of how to make the usarmy stamp? like would you make a stencil and airbrush it on?

Thanks

Erik

[SF]

In WW2, canteens were either made of aluminium (M-1910), enamel (M-1942), plastic or stainless steel. This particular 1944 model which I do own is made of stainless steel & it is rock solid. But you do have to change the seal cause the orignal one would probably leak due to its age. As well, GI were known to put whiskey, all kind of booze & god know what else into these canteens. So from a hygene point of view, you are always taking a chance to drink from an army surplus canteen regardless.

I read an article some years back that a US army advisor in Vietnam was carrying a WW2 stainless steel canteen instead of the newer plastic type. During a fire fight, a VC bullet struck the steel canteen, destroying it but the GI was able to walk away unscatched-something the newer plastic canteen would certainly not be able to do.

The price the seller is asking is definitely on the high side but it is your call. When buying/collecting army surplus items such as WW2 gears & stuffs, patiance & research are the key. There are always the crappy ones around but the hard to find or good condition kinds are what you want to get. If you do your research carefully, you should always get your $ back on resale & quite often at a profit too. Ebay & local gun shows are 2 good places to look for these treasures. Hope this help you out.

[Lisa]

If you're not set on metal katey's got brand new plasic canteens for sale for $5 plus shipping, comes with pouch and web belt. I'm not 100% sure but the web belt might be ALICE compatable.