The Canteen/Die Feldflasche, Part 1

This is another post in a continuing series on the uniforms and equipment of the Chevauleger. The topic this time concerns the humble canteen or Feldflasche. Interestingly enough, although the canteen had been standard issue for each German soldier prior to 1914, that was not the case for the cavalry for some inexplicable (as of yet) reason. It wasn't until September 14, 1914 that the issue of canteens to the cavalry was made. Initially, a modified version of the the standard 1907 pattern canteen with a shoulder strap was issued. This was similar to what was issued to the field artillery. Later on, the cavalry was issued with the same model issued to all other branches of the German Army.

The "cavalry" pattern canteen. Basically a modified 1907 infantry model, this was issued to the cavalry for a short time period. Pictures of soldiers wearing these are very rare and when they are encountered, the canteen is usually blocked by an arms or other piece of equipment. The solider in this picture is probably a dragoon. 

Another view out of Kraus. Nos. 8 and 9 are "cavalry" canteens.

Hussar with the standard pattern canteen.

 Below are some close-up pictures of the prewar 1907 pattern canteen and later 1915 and 1917 pattern wartime models. The 1907 pattern was made of aluminum with a screw-on top. In June 1915, a new pattern was introduced, the 1915 pattern, which was made from steel that was tin plated on both sides. A cork stopper was used rather than a machined screw-top. Finally, in 1916, the 1917 pattern was introduced which was made from tin plated steel that was only plated on the inside while the outside was an enameled coating. Also, the straps were modified so that less leather was used. Finally, to save on steel, experiments were made using glass but the war ended before this could be initiated on a mass scale.

1907 pattern canteen

Views of the 1907 pattern canteen

Evolution of the canteen, first with the 1915 and then 1917 patterns. 

1915 Pattern Canteen