Italian Canteen - Model 1935
The Italian M33 canteen (Borraccia Modello 1933) was the standard canteen of the Royal Italian Army (Regio Esercito) during World War II. This canteen is well-known for its specific aluminum screw cap with an extra small drinking plug and its grey-green woolen insulation cover.
Key Features
- Aluminum body: The flask has a 1-liter capacity and features four vertical ribs on the curved side for added strength. The bottom is flat so the flask can stand upright.
- Unique cap system: The large aluminum screw cap contains a smaller, separate metal plug (stopper) attached by a chain. This allowed a soldier to drink or pour without having to unscrew the entire cap.
- Insulation cover: The canteen is covered with a thick, grey-green woolen or felt sleeve (grigio-verde) to keep the water cool.
- Carrying strap: The flask was worn over the shoulder using a canvas carrying strap.
Difference Between Model 1933 and Model 1935
Although the aluminum flasks themselves are virtually identical, the main difference lies in how the carrying strap is attached:
- Mod. 1933: Equipped with a high-quality canvas strap featuring a steel buckle and a quick-release snap hook, making the strap fully removable.
- Mod. 1935: A simplified version introduced due to the wartime economy. The strap is made of lower-quality canvas, is sewn directly to the loops of the flask, and features a simple aluminum slide buckle.
Additionally, smaller variants existed (the fiaschetta per il cordiale), which were primarily used by mountain troops (Alpini) to carry grappa or cognac to combat the cold.
