US Pattern 191o (1914 modified pattern) Canteen

[Gildwiller1918]

In 1911 the Army began searching for a method of manufacturing canteens that would not require paying royalties to A.G.M. for the patented spinning process of making seamless
aluminum canteens. By 1912 Rock Island Arsenal had developed a satisfactory technique of welding aluminum and went into production. The welded canteens were made in two halves that were welded together around the outer edge.

It should be noted that during the period from 1913 to 1917, the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Co. manufactured canteens with German silver necks, chains, shackles and
sliding loops identical to the first canteens manufactured by Rock Island Arsenal, but with the same cap as on the earlier canteens. Some of these canteens were purchased on state contracts and were used by National Guard units. In 1914 Rock Island eliminated the neck ring and replaced it with an improved neck with a lug which secured the cap chain with a small pin. In addition, a new cap was added with a domed top and knurled side. 

During World War I, the Quartermaster Corps assumed responsibility for individual equipment including canteens. In 1918 the Quartermaster Corps contracted for canteens to be manufactured by five domestic companies. These canteens were manufactured using the specifications that Rock Island Arsenal had developed for the welded body with the 1914 cap and neck improvements. In addition, the aluminum was treated during the manufacturing process to reduce reflection. The known World War I manufacturers of M-1910 canteens include: The Aluminum Company of America (ACA); Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Co. (AGM Co); Buckeye Aluminum Co. (BA Co.); J. W. Brown Co. (J.W.B); Landers, Frary & Clark (L F & C). 

The Canteen below is the M1917 pattern dismounted carrier, which had the lift the dot fasteners and a brass web belt holder on the back. Inside the carrier the cup was located at the bottom in which the canteen would be inserted. The canteen in marked "US AGM Co 1918". The cup is also marked the same as the canteen. Note the difference in how the canteen was welded together versus the M1910 model. The canteen below was the most common type found on US soldiers in WW1.