The M-1910
Canteen Cup
The canteen cup in military history has usually been a tin cup that accompanied the canteen, either hung on a sling or belt. However, The M-1910 canteen cup was different in that it was made to fit the canteen inside of it, and to be carried inside the canteen cover. the lip of the cup was rolled so the The cup had a retractable handle that folded under the cup when stored, but swung out to serve as a handle and also an arm to help prevent tilting. The handle had a thin metal piece that when the handle was fully extended, slid down into a metal slot to lock it in place. It had a concave side to perfectly fit the canteen inside of it. Early cups did not have any maker marks or dates, but starting in 1918, the makers marks and dates were added on the bottom of the cup. “Graffiti” may be found on these cups, left by loving servicemen to make a souvenir, or to pass the time. The most common are initials, but names, dates, duty stations, and even art can be found etched onto the cup.
The M-1910 canteen cup saw extensive use in World War One, but also was carried by the US serviceman in World War Two, Korea, and even Vietnam. The only major change in the canteen cup was the handle, with cups having a set of “butterfly wings”, which were two wire handles shaped in a half loop that hinged in the middle and folded against the canteen when stored in the canteen cover, then folded out to act as a handle together. With that modification, the M-1910 canteen cup still services out nation’s men and women in today’s military. It may be interesting to note that the author of this article used a 1918 dated canteen cup on his infantry kit while serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, 2013-2016.
American Militaria Reference
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