Mle. 1952 canteen caps question

[dimmuborgir]

Hi all!

I have a question about the "chronology" Mle. 1952 caps.
As I understood, the first caps was brown Bakelite. The Internet is often seen and black and green caps on this canteen (also saw a rare instance, and made of aluminum). 
Green caps - is plastic? At what time they came about, in what years?

Best regards,  Michael

[craigtx]

Interesting question. I've never really considered it. The green I'm thinking might just be the aged brown bakelte, but I wouldn't swear to it. The black is a more modern version. I've yet to see one with an aluminum cap. I've heard it postulated that the ones with aluminum caps might be UK P44 water bottles that are mistaken for Mle 52s.

But I'm interested to see what Steve (Lew) has to say. He's a bit more knowledgeable than I am on the Mle 52.

Craig

[lew]

He I am!

The green caps are a different plastic formulation and they came out in the early '70's (concurrent with the green-dyed leather replacing the yellow leather on weapon slings, pack trim, etc...).

The brown bakelite was the first to appear, and both it and the black caps are correct for the Algerian War. I believe that aluminum caps were trialed on early iterations of the Mle. 52, but they are a decided rarity, and, obviously, the makers did not continue using them for whatever reason, likely cost.

[dimmuborgir]

Craig and Steve, many thanks for answer! Now everything is clear.
If you do not mind, there are a couple of questions on the Mle52.

1) Cover with four buttons - longer than "normal" early cover ( with two buttons)? Why were made four buttons? To put "Canteen Cup Stove" inside the cover? In what year did it come about?

2) Plastic canteen with stainless cup - In what year did it come about?

3) Capacity Mle52 - aluminium canteen - 1,5 liter, plastic - 1,3 liter?

Best regards, Michael

[craigtx]

I can help only a little with that...

1) No clue, I'll let Steve try to field that one.
2) Again not sure.
3) I actually know this one, the Mle 52 has a 1,5 liter capacity.

Craig

[dimmuborgir]

Thanks, Craig. Let's wait for the verdict of Steve.

[lew]

Verdict. Sounds so imposing, like a judge casting a decision. That's too much responsibility for me, but I can help.

1) The four-snap cover came out around the time of the green caps, i.e. early '70's. I've never seen a French canteen stove like the USGI model. The original cover is pretty tight with the cup, so maybe the addition of the snaps was to accommodate the canteen by itself or with the cup.

2) I know the aluminum canteen was used well into the '90's.

3) Craig's got it right: 1.5L.

[dimmuborgir]

That's too much responsibility for me, but I can help.

I was referring to this french canteen stove:

[lew]

Right, I remember that. That's a later addition; not anything we on this site would be particularly concerned about. 1990's, if I remember correctly (no guarantee).

[dimmuborgir]

It is now clear, Steve! Previously I thought, that the "four buttons" are connected to the Cup Stove.
Thanks!

[lew]

Happy to help, mate. Cheers!