Original German Wehrmacht Model 1931 (M31) Canteen Complete with T.P.W. Marked Cup – Dated 1939 Early Second World War Issue – Good Original Condition

Original German Wehrmacht Model 1931 (M31) Canteen
Complete with T.P.W. Marked Cup – Dated 1939
Early Second World War Issue – Good Original Condition

An good and increasingly scarce original German Wehrmacht Model 1931 (M31) canteen, complete with its original aluminium drinking cup, manufactured by T.P.W. and dated 1939.

This is a fine early-war example of the standard canteen carried by German soldiers throughout the opening years of the Second World War. Retaining its original felt cover, leather harness and aluminium cup, it is a complete and highly collectable piece of German field equipment.

The canteen remains in good, clean, used condition, displaying the honest wear expected of an item that accompanied a soldier on active service over 80 years ago.

The Model 1931 Feldflasche

Introduced in 1931, the M31 Feldflasche became the standard water bottle issued to the German Wehrmacht. Designed to be lightweight, durable and practical, it accompanied soldiers on every front of the war—from the invasion of Poland and the Battle of France to the deserts of North Africa and the vast expanses of the Eastern Front.

Early-war examples, such as this 1939-dated canteen, are especially desirable as they retain their aluminium bottle and cup, features that were gradually replaced with steel and substitute materials as wartime shortages increased.

Features
Original German Wehrmacht Model 1931 (M31) canteen
Complete with original T.P.W. aluminium cup
Cup clearly dated 1939
Original felt cover
Complete leather harness with all straps present
Leather remains supple and in good condition
Original wartime fittings throughout
Honest service wear with an attractive untouched patina
Condition

This is a particularly good, clean example that has clearly been well cared for over the years.

Complete with original felt cover
All leather retaining straps intact and fully functional
Leather remains in good condition for its age
Original aluminium cup by T.P.W.
Cup dated 1939
Good original collector’s condition throughout

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical Background

The M31 canteen was an essential item of every German soldier’s field equipment. Suspended from the bread bag or combat equipment, it provided drinking water during marches, training and combat operations.

Manufactured by a wide variety of German companies, early examples dated 1939 represent the beginning of Germany’s wartime production and are highly sought after due to their quality of manufacture and pre-war finish.

Whether carried by infantry, artillery, armoured crews or mountain troops, the M31 Feldflasche became one of the defining pieces of German military equipment during the Second World War.

Collector’s Note

Complete early-war 1939-dated M31 canteens retaining their original aluminium T.P.W. cup, felt cover and complete leather harness are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Collectors particularly value pre-war and early-war examples because of their superior construction and the survival of their original leather fittings, many of which have not endured the passage of time.

This example would make an excellent addition to any collection of Second World War German militaria, field equipment or personal soldier’s equipment and displays beautifully alongside bread bags, mess tins and Y-straps.

Specifications
Item: Model 1931 (M31) Feldflasche (Canteen)
Country: Germany
Service: Wehrmacht
Date: 1939
Cup Manufacturer: T.P.W.
Cup Material: Aluminium
Cover: Original felt
Harness: Original leather, complete with all straps
Condition: Good clean used condition
Important Notice

This item is offered strictly as a historical collectable for research, preservation and educational purposes. It is sold solely for its historical significance and does not represent or imply support for the ideology or actions of the Nazi regime.

A superb, complete and increasingly scarce early-war German M31 canteen, offering an authentic glimpse into the equipment carried by Wehrmacht soldiers during the opening years of the Second World War.