The Cold Weather Canteen Cover is classified as Cold Weather Clothing under the Special Regional Clothing category. It is a cover for the Type 5 Canteen designed to prevent the contents from freezing in cold regions. A similar piece of equipment is the Cold Weather Mess Tin Cover. These, along with other cold-weather gear, are listed in the 1938 (Shōwa 13) Army Uniform and Equipment Regulations1.
In this article, I would like to introduce an authentic example of the Cold Weather Canteen Cover.
Shōwa 18 (1943) issue, Osaka Army Clothing Depot, Silk Wadding
This type has a silk wadding interior. Likely unused, dead stock.
Shōwa 18 (1943) issue, Osaka Army Clothing Depot, Fur
The interior is made of fur. A distinctive feature of this piece is that the side cords used to secure the suspension straps come in a pair of two different lengths. Other cold-weather canteen covers use cords of equal length. Overall, it shows signs of use, with stains from liquids visible.
Shōwa 18 (1943) issue, Osaka Army Clothing Depot, Silk Wadding
The lining is made of silk wadding. Overall, it’s in very good condition, but the cord used to tie the lid is missing. The other cords are extremely clean and show no signs of wear, so it almost looks as though the lid cord was intentionally cut with scissors.
Footnote
- “Revisions to the Army Uniform and Equipment Regulations under Article 5 of the Army Uniform Regulations” JACAR (Japan Center for Asian Historical Records) Ref. C01001561600, Eizonsyo Documents, Series A, Category 1, Shōwa 13 (1938) (National Institute for Defense Studies, Ministry of Defense) ↩︎
