A very nice original German Wehrmacht M31 water bottle dated 1938. The aluminium bottle retains its original brown felt cover, leather harness and aluminium screw cap. The neck of the bottle is clearly maker marked KCL 38, whilst the opposite side is stamped RZM M6/14. The aluminium screw cap is also correctly marked RZM M6/14 38.

The brown felt cover remains in good overall condition with honest age-related wear and a couple of small holes to the reverse, as shown in the photographs. The leather harness is complete, strong and still reasonably supple for its age. All of the original press studs are present and intact. The final press stud has been left undone to avoid placing unnecessary strain on the aged leather. The original hanging clip is also present.

Overall

A very nice, honest example of a 1938-dated German Wehrmacht M31 water bottle, complete with its original harness and cap. A desirable early example that displays very well.

Historical Note

KCL is the maker’s mark of Klinter & Co., Lüdenscheid, a German manufacturer that produced military field equipment for the Wehrmacht, including M31 water bottles.

The RZM (Reichszeugmeisterei) was the German authority responsible for overseeing manufacturing standards and contractor markings on military equipment. The M6/14 marking is an RZM contractor code found on components of this water bottle.

The M31 water bottle was introduced in 1931 and became the standard issue water bottle of the German Wehrmacht throughout the Second World War. Manufactured from lightweight aluminium with a felt insulating cover and leather carrying harness, it was designed to be durable, practical and suitable for everyday field service.

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