Hi Folks--
I just picked up a "MG" water canteen that was listed on Ebay as WWI antique. The water canteen had a tag on it identifying it as a WWI USMC MG water canteen. The canteen was listed "buy it now" for $65.00 plus shipping. I could not hit the "Buy It Now" button quick enough seeing some of the current prices on the canteen.
The canteen has some rust on it and the carrying strap is a little worn. The cream colored paint on the inside is flaking off and the outside has some surface rust.
On the canteen is a hand painted picture of a pine tree and an outline of the State of Kentucky with KY in it. The Canteen also has the letters R.S and K.S. painted on the canteen. In doing a little research, I discovered that the 91st Division used the pine tree as a divisional patch. One would assume that the canteen was used by one of the MG battalions or company of the 91st Division. Looking at the history of the WWI 91st Division most the personnel were from California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho with some from Alaska. Looking at the personnel roster of several of the MG battalions of the 91st Division I did note several enlistments from Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. That's of course I am assuming the canteen was used in the MG battalions.
Its interesting to note that the 91st Division's MG Battalions used British Vickers guns as the basic MG. The basic history noted the MG battalions were given familiarization fire on five Browning MGs before being deployed to the front. "Probably as a promise that these are coming to you shortly." LOL
I am looking to restore the canteen does any one has any suggestions? I have attached several pictures for your enjoyment.
--fjruple
![Water Canteen 1.jpg]()
![Water Canteen.jpg]()
I just picked up a "MG" water canteen that was listed on Ebay as WWI antique. The water canteen had a tag on it identifying it as a WWI USMC MG water canteen. The canteen was listed "buy it now" for $65.00 plus shipping. I could not hit the "Buy It Now" button quick enough seeing some of the current prices on the canteen.
The canteen has some rust on it and the carrying strap is a little worn. The cream colored paint on the inside is flaking off and the outside has some surface rust.
On the canteen is a hand painted picture of a pine tree and an outline of the State of Kentucky with KY in it. The Canteen also has the letters R.S and K.S. painted on the canteen. In doing a little research, I discovered that the 91st Division used the pine tree as a divisional patch. One would assume that the canteen was used by one of the MG battalions or company of the 91st Division. Looking at the history of the WWI 91st Division most the personnel were from California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho with some from Alaska. Looking at the personnel roster of several of the MG battalions of the 91st Division I did note several enlistments from Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. That's of course I am assuming the canteen was used in the MG battalions.
Its interesting to note that the 91st Division's MG Battalions used British Vickers guns as the basic MG. The basic history noted the MG battalions were given familiarization fire on five Browning MGs before being deployed to the front. "Probably as a promise that these are coming to you shortly." LOL
I am looking to restore the canteen does any one has any suggestions? I have attached several pictures for your enjoyment.
--fjruple
