MODEL 1917 MOUNTED CANTEEN UNIT MARKED 6TH
CAVALRY REGIMENT NICE COMPLETE SPECIMEN: This
is a good solid example of the Model 1917 Mounted
Canteen, stenciled with unit inventory marks showing
issue to a trooper in the 6TH Cavalry.
The cover shows evidence of having been issued and used
in the field. There are minor wear spots where the high
points on the cup pressed against the cover, but the
seams are all intact and the canvas is still strong.
The lift the dot snaps are both complete, function well
and show no signs of tearing around the snaps as is
often the case. The rear of the cover is stenciled 6 A
5, indicating it was issued in the 6TH
Regiment, Troop A, to soldier number 5 on the company
roster. The interior surfaces of the ears are
stenciled 6974 on one and A 72 on the other likely
additional unit issue inventory stamps.
The canteen retains its form, all the seams are intact,
there are no unsightly dents, and the cap is intact with
the original cork liner and retention chain. The
canteen is maker marked US AGM 1918 and the cup is
marked US LF&C 1918. The cup is in full form with no
signs of damage or wear, and the handle functions
properly.
The original leather suspension strap, full length and
complete with all the hardware, shows use commensurate
with the cover, but still retains a smooth surface to
the leather with no crazing or flaking and is still very
supple with a nice russet color. The strap broke at
some point immediately next to the buckle, so a previous
owner repaired it by gluing the tip of the strap to the
underlying portion of the strap. The repair is solid
and frankly is so unnoticeable that I did not see it
until I began taking the photographs. The repair in no
way affects the display quality of the canteen and on
the positive side, the full length of what has become a
fairly scarce strap was retained with the canteen.
Overall a very solid set, this Model 1917 Canteen has
all the character of a field used piece with the added
value of a desirable unit marking. (0512) $155
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