K.u.K. Canteen 1916-1918

An Austro-Hungarian K.u.k. Feldflasche (field canteen) in relic condition (battlefield find) is a combat-used water bottle from the Kaiserlich und Königlich (Imperial and Royal) army, dating back to World War I (1914–1918).

In the military collecting world, "relic condition" means that the item was recovered directly from former battlefields. It usually shows severe signs of age, heavy wear from being buried in the ground, rust, or even direct battle damage such as shrapnel holes.

Features of a WWI K.u.k. Feldflasche

• Materials: The variants most commonly found in relic condition are the 0.5-liter enameled steel bottles (often in blue, green, or brown enamel).
• Markings: Look closely at the neck or the body for stamped manufacturers and dates. Common markings include "Austria", "Brünn" (Emailierwerke Austria in Brno), "Werke Ligetfalu", or "AEMA", followed by the production year (e.g., 1915, 1916, 1917).
• Missing parts: In contrast to collectibles in a neat, used condition, a relic version is almost always stripped of its perishable parts. The original wool/felt covers, leather carrying straps, cork stoppers, and metal drinking cups have usually rotted away, leaving only the metal shell.

Field canteens in relic condition are highly popular among historical collectors because they make the harsh reality of the Great War tangible.