Description
You are bidding on a VERY NICE example of an original WW2 Imperial Japanese Army Rikugun Suitō (Officer Canteen), used by Japanese officers during the late stages of the war. Considerably less common than the standard enlisted Type 94/Type 5 field canteens, these commercially manufactured officer examples were purchased privately and are encountered in a variety of higher-quality configurations, finishes and carrying covers. This example is additionally named with original Japanese ownership markings still visible on the cover!
Unlike the standardized government-issue canteens supplied to Japanese enlisted personnel, officers were expected to purchase many items of their own field equipment from military outfitters and commercial manufacturers. This resulted in a wide variety of privately purchased canteens produced in different sizes, materials and styles, although most retained the flattened oval form that was convenient for carrying against the body. Officer canteens were commonly fitted with cloth covers, leather securing fittings and commercially manufactured metal components, and frequently bear civilian trademarks rather than Army arsenal or depot markings. Because they were privately purchased rather than produced as a single standardized issue pattern, surviving examples display considerably more variation than enlisted canteens and are today substantially less frequently encountered.
Made of aluminum with its original tan cloth cover, leather fittings and original metal closure assembly, this example is in VERY GOOD used condition. The canteen remains complete in its original cover, which appears to have remained fitted to the bottle since the war…and displays various, staining, discoloration and service wear, due to the age. The cover retains its original stitched construction together with the surviving brown leather attachment fittings on the side, showing normal drying, rubbing and age but remaining substantially intact. Several original handwritten Japanese ownership markings remain visible on the cloth, including a marking that appears to read 三井, or “Mitsui,” a genuine Japanese surname, together with additional faded Japanese characters that remain only partially legible. The markings have been left entirely untouched and provide an appealing element of individual wartime use. The aluminum bottle and neck show normal oxidation, surface wear and age consistent with an original field-used example, with no major structural damage or repairs. The top of the cap retains its original commercial manufacturer trademark surrounded by the Japanese characters 登録商標, translating to “Registered Trademark.” The central trademark incorporates a distinctive castle or fortress-style device, although the specific civilian manufacturer has not yet been positively identified. The combination of the original cloth cover, commercial maker trademark and wartime handwritten ownership markings makes this a particularly attractive and RARE example of privately purchased Japanese officer field equipment! PERFECT for any WW2 Japanese Army, officer equipment, Pacific War, field gear or military canteen collection or display!
