Description
You are bidding on a VERY NICE original WW2 Imperial Japanese Army OVAL Suito Aluminum Field Canteen! Complete with the original harness, this is an unusual non-standard Japanese canteen variation, with an oval-bodied shape different from the standard flat-bottom Type 94 field canteen normally encountered…as well as a VERY EARLY Meiji Canteen type cork stopper!
Japanese military canteens were used extensively by Army, Navy, and auxiliary personnel throughout the war, with several different patterns, variants, private-purchase styles, and field-use configurations encountered. The standard Japanese Type 94 canteen is the most commonly seen pattern, but other aluminum canteens and canteen sets were also produced and used, including less common examples with alternate harness systems, cups, and fittings.
Made of aluminum with a light yellow-gold clear lacquer finish, this original WW2 Japanese canteen is in EXCELLENT used condition for its age! The aluminum body shows scratches, marks, a couple small dents, and normal wear from age and service, but has NO cracks, holes, seam splits, major corrosion, or repairs. The body has an unusual oval form, closer in silhouette to a German-style canteen, with a convex front, slightly concave back, and rounded base rather than the more commonly encountered flat-bottom Japanese Type 94 canteen shape. The original stopper assembly is present, and matches that of a pre-war Meiji Canteen. The cork is intact as far as can be seen, though it has not been removed to avoid possible damage to the cork or straps. The neck area is intact with NO cracks or missing parts. The original very thin faded tan / khaki cloth strap and harness system is present and mostly complete, showing age wear from use and storage. The securing strap with the eyelets for the buckle is broken and missing a large section, approximately 2 inches, leaving only one remaining eyelet for the buckle tab. No Japanese markings, maker markings, numbers, or stamps are visible, though some areas are covered by the harness. An unusual original WW2 Japanese aluminum Suito canteen set with matching cup, less commonly encountered than the standard Type 94 canteen pattern and PERFECT for any Japanese field gear collection or display!
