What you've got sounds like a NESCO 1942 water can like the one I have. All
the WWII water cans I've seen are clearly marked on top of the can, between
the handle bars with manufacturer and date.
There are actually two variations of the water/coffee/soup can. My NESCO has
the brass vent between the handles and the indention in the lid with a
knockout plug. The story goes that these cans could be used as a stationary
water/coffee can. Punch out the knockout in the lid, and add a standard
water faucet type spigot in the hole; then turn the can on it's side and open
the vent, and water/coffee dispensed at will, by turning the faucet. Another
war story I've been told about the vent is that it allowed steam from coffee
or soup, to escape from the can while these hot items were being transported.
There is at least one other type water can around. I have a plain lid water
can (CAVALIER 44), which doesn't have the indention, knock out plug, or the
brass vent. Maybe vent/faucet system didn't work out too well and was
dropped. I don't know.
If your can says NESCO 42 between the handles on top, and has a little vent
near the high part of the can, and doesn't have USMC stamped on the side; I
think it's a safe bet that this is a Water/Coffee/Soup can. Either way it's
correct for a WWII jeep or other vehicle - just not a gas can.
Tom Campbell - Birmingham, Alabama
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