WW2 Canteen Comparison

Mil-Tec Canteen versus WWII USGI Model

Sturm Reproduction canteen set pictured left, 1943 dated canteen cover on the right.

 The Sturm/Miltec reproduction canteen is a stab at a piece of field gear that no-one thought needed to be done. For years decades, the standard USGI steel or aluminum canteens have been widely available, and therefore, cheap to buy. From early WW2 canteen sets with covers, to the more rare USMC models, to the doubly rare black porcelain examples, there is a wide variety of covers, canteens, and cups to the average collector. 

Overall shape is pretty close. Note difference in shade.

I have a fairly standard USGI set, with a 1943 dated cover, 1944 canteen, and 1944 cup. As with many canteen covers, it has shrunk slightly with age, so it has become more difficult to remove the cup from the cover. The interior lining has developed a slight tear, which I understand is fairly common among older covers. 

For this reason, perhaps, Sturm has decided to corner the market on a product never before attempted: a reproduction WW2 USGI canteen. The company has produced a valiant attempt at re-creating the classic lines of the GI product. 

The GI cup is a bit larger, and has a more 'graceful' curve.

Unfortunately, there are too many differences between the real steel and the reproduction to really recommend its purchase. The shape and scale of the canteen is somewhat different, as can be seen in these comparison photos. The reproduction cup, which is not marked, is not able to be used with the authentic issue, or vice versa. Furthermore, the total capacity of the reproduction is 28 ounces- 4 ounces shy of the USGI issue canteen. The cover has a nice attempt at the liner of the real WW2 issue, in fact looks quite similar. The shape is pretty close, although the Sturm model has too much material for the smaller sized canteen.

Too tight a squeeze for the issued canteen. Sturm cup is too small.

 The fit around the reproduction canteen is somewhat loose, but understandably is a great fit around the larger, real model. My takeaway: ditch the reproduction canteen and cup, use the new cover to hold a USGI example. You won't risk damaging an aging example of a cover, and you'll look quite spiffy with the new model. If you're interested in the cover alone, there are several other retailers offering their take. As far as I know, Sturm is the only one producing the metal canteen and cup, however flawed it may be. 

I've taken a bunch of other pictures for your viewing pleasure. You can not the various differences between their shape and structure, but pay special attention to the cup's handle, canteen cap shape, and liner material.