A different looking P-38 can opener

[Keith]

New to me, anyone know what time period it is from?  Or anything else about it. Thanks.

 

[kfields]

No maker mark?

[The Rooster]

Should have U.S. on it somewhere ...........

The shape is odd. Could it be a civilian version?

[P-40Warhawk]

This looks like a late version to me. I had some relatives that had a big jar filled with the older (and a handful of these newer style) openers, most of them were still in the packages. They ate surplus rations routinely in the 1950s-1970s at their rural cabin since they were shelf stable. They gave me the jar about 25 years ago, but I don't know where the all went or I'd have a look for a package with this style in it. I think it came out around the later stages of Vietnam. 

[268th C.A.]

 these are the type being currently. sold in surplus stores. I have not run across these in any US rations. I have one of these. The US ones are much. better. IMO

[268th C.A.]

Here's the one I have it doesn't have a hole in it. it's also lighter metal, I'm sure imported from you know where. the real McCoy on the right and top. notice the cutting tip is much better to pierce the can. the other is junk. IMO. 

[Keith]

Thanks all,  Into the junk box it goes!  It was free coming in a box of WW2 and Vietnam items.

[Helodoc2]

When I was in Germany (1980s-1990s), the German Army used some that looked like this one. Don't know if it was issued or commercial.

[JohnK83882]

Not impossible that some US P-38s were made without at least a makers mark but the WW2 ones I've seen were all marked and dated. They made millions of those things. You'll find another one and you can keep that one on your keychain.