5 QT Flotation bladder authenticity?

[gregg1960]

Hi, this 5 QT flotation bladder canteen is another recent addition to my collection. Again, I would value any feedback members have as to it's authenticity. I understand they are being reproduced and I have read the past threads regarding this issue, however I’d like some further clarification on the markings please.

 

 

I have seen three examples of markings on the outer nylon green cover as per below:

Example 1:

FLOTATION
BLADDER /
COLLAPSIBLE
CANTEEN, 5 QT.
DSA100-68-C-2742
8465-141-0924
TRENTON TEXTILE
E & M Co., Inc.

Example 2:

FLOTATION
BLADDER /
COLLAPSIBLE
CANTEEN, 5 QT.
DSA 100-68-C2742
MWSE 8465-141-0924

Example 3:

FLOTATION
BLADDER /
COLLAPSIBLE
CANTEEN, 5 QT.
DSA100-68-C-2742
8465-141-0924

I have seen it mentioned before that the “MWSE” markings on Example 2 indicate a reproduction, is this the case?

For those of you that have a reference copy of “Uniforms & Equipment of US Infantry, LRRP’s etc… Miraldi“ an example of this can be found on page 58.

For comparison, Example 1 can bee seen on page 130 of the same book and page 173 of "US Army Uniforms, Shelby Stanton" & page 93 "US Uniforms in Colour, Lyles". I believe this to be the most common type encountered.

As for my canteen cover, it doesn’t show a manufacturer after the DSA & FSN as per Example 3. Is this right?

It is however marked “TRENTON TEXTILE ENG. & MFG. CO. INC.” on the internal bladder.

Further pictures of my flotation canteen…..

 

 

These are the markings on the underside of the press-studs on the side opening to the cover “R A U CO.”…

 

I would be interested in any other info and what other members have encountered/own.

Thanks, Gregg.

[rr01]

Looks like the real deal to me. I still have a couple that were original issue that have stood the test of time. What i liked best about these was their versatility; they could be used for floating gear or to help when swimming with a heavy load. Snap hooks could be attached to each corner tie so the bladder could be quickly hooked to the shoulder straps of the LBE and the eyelets on the pistol belt. One of the few items the military purchased for the field that had more than one use and was good for either.

[craig_pickrall]

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...&hl=canteen

 

This is a recent thread on repro 5 QT Canteens that may help you.