French Model 1952 Canteen (Modèle 52 Bidon)

[Willmore]

Hello everyone.

Here is the first French canteen to join the collection (to complete the set I will next track down a cup). From research this model of canteen is typically encountered from the Algerian war onwards.











The Modèle 1952 canteen replaced the model 1951, with the main changes of design being the size of the neck and the design of the cap. The neck is larger, making it easier to drink from and refill, then the screw cap is made from Bakelite (the earlier 1951 model canteen had a thinner neck and a cork stopper).

The first production of the Model 52 canteen had brown screw caps, with later runs having a khaki coloured version.

Webbingbabel: French Army Military Canteens / Water Bottles







Canteen model comparison (photo and information curtesy of member Carfin LEWYS). From left to right: Modèle 51 and cover with lift the dot studs, Modèle 52 and cover with two snaps, Modèle 52 and cover with four snaps.







Although it is hard to see, the name Waghetzky is scratched into the rear of the canteen.





Below are links to the two different models of canteen cover in the collection.

French Army canteen cover model 51 -
French Army canteen cover model 51 (Housse de gourde modèle 51)

French Airborne canteen cover model 52 -
French Airborne canteen cover model 52 (Housse de gourde TAP modèle 52)

I have not been able to track down the maker of the canteen (MM VC R and two bears), so if anyone has an idear, I would be grateful to hear from you.

Kind regards,

Will.