Help with ID on found canteen

[Dick Hosmer]

This item came into our store the other day. Such are not my area of expertise.

It appears to be the 1917 (1916? 1918? references vary) mounted canteen cover, with leather strap and no provision for a belt loop or hooks. Strap, hook, and buckle are present, complete, and in 85-90% condition. Cover has a single seam down the back, with two "lift-the-dot" fasteners on the wraparound tabs. Front is marked "U.S." in the center, and also has what appears to be "J.Q.M.D." over "1935" at lower left rear corner. Stampings are faint - cover has some small light stains, but stitching is perfect.

The associated flask is one of the (apparently scarce?) black porcelain enamel ones made by "USS CO" during 1942 when, for a brief period of time, aluminum was being witheld for more critical uses. Aside from a (significant) chip at the makers mark, flask is in excellent condition, with cap, chain, etc. all complete.

Better ID? Rough value?

Many thanks.

[Dan Shapiro]

Dick, can't help with the ID of J.O.M.D. - but during WWII they also made Carbine ammo pouches, a rig (experimental?) for carrying multiple hand-grenades in pouches, as well as machete covers.

Maybe this is it? Was doing some research on military saddles - circa 1941. Gentleman had some pictures that looked like J.O.M.D. stamped into the metal lining of the stirrups. Another gentleman provided this information:

"JQMD = Jeffersonville Quartermaster Depot. The irons were made in 1941 at the depot outside Jeffersonville, Indiana. I believe the NS means "nickel steel". It might also be a depot inspector's initials but I do not think so."

http://www.qmfound.com/jeffersonville.htm

[Dick Hosmer]

Thanks, Dan.

Upon closer inspection, the "O" could be a "Q". There is something there, but the stamping is faint, and whether it is a stain, hiccup in the weave, or the tail of a "Q" is not 100% clear.

[Johnny P]

The J.Q.M.D. is for Jeffersonville Quartermaster Depot in Jeffersonville, Indiana. All sorts of military uniform and equipment was produced there from sometime in the mid to late 1800's up into the late 1950's. Most of the marked pieces seem to show up from slightly after WWI until late in production. Most of the between the wars pieces from J.Q.M.D. do have inspector's initials.

The problem with the black porcelain coated canteens was when they got bent the porcelain flaked off inside, leaving tiny razor sharp slivers in the water.

This is one of the canteens.

http://i62.tinypic.com/nb09.jpg