Nice example of the rather odd German DRK canteen in fairly good condition and all matching. Marked ESB39. There is a name written on the inside of the strap, but I can't make it out.
These are called DRK canteens and the DRK did use a nearly identical type after the war so I feel there is a good chance that is an accurate assessment. It might also be possible that this was a sort of private purchase type item. I have found similar type odd variations sold for luftschutz or police. There were stores, not unlike a medical or industrial supply store today, that sold all sorts of gear and anyone could buy it and many were specifically aimed at luftschutz, DRK, police and those types of organizations. The fact that this has a maker code and year seems to indicate that it was maybe made for a more official contract.
