ALICE 2qt canteen and cover...in East German RAIN CAMO?!

[milsurp_scout_14]

This is a new one on me...picked up this ALICE 2qt canteen with cover at a swapmeet yesterday. I know there are manufacturers out there that make this stuff in various colors/camo patterns, but I've never seen one with the East German rain camo before. Could this have been something used by OPFOR training units? Or something US-produced for the Germans? The materials used are high quality, not the cheap China nylon you'd expect from a Rothco or similar product. The only real difference from the USGI 2qt cover is the replacement of the 'furry' lining with a heavy felt. Otherwise the materials and fitting appear identical. No markings on the cover. Canteen is standard 1985 dated.

[milsurp_scout_14]

Rear

[milsurp_scout_14]

side

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Inside

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

That is very odd. I don't think it is US made for the Germans because I they wore it after reunification.

[anelles]

Commercially made copy. I remember seeing these in a Sportman's Guide catalog in the 90s.

[milsurp_scout_14]

Thanks for the info. A friend suggested that the actual camo material (which is separate from the inner nylon), may be from cut-up East German poncho/shelter halves.

[gwb123]

Please see the comments on our sister website, World Militaria Forum, about the surplus dealer and recycler Sturm:

 

http://www.worldmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/313284-east-german-rain-pattern-scrap-material-m-43-cap/

[milsurp_scout_14]

I'll bet they may have concocted this cover then. Thanks for the info!