Gulf91 wrote:Newest Ebay purchase just arrived and very very happy. Early 58Pattern WaterBottle set...
Twist lock bottle carrier dated 196? made by Remploy,
Green Bottle Dated 1962 made by Cascelloid
BLACK Mug Dated 1962... ...Cascaflex.
I think I saw this on eBay. I might be confusing it with one I saw where the seller claimed that no Mug was made for the WB at the time (incorrect but I couldn't previously substantiate it 'cause I had no evidence).
I didn't bother bidding because I didn't want to duplicate my collection - and I thought the Mug was a later issue.
OUCH!
1962 dated!I knew that the '58 set was introduced
without it's own WB. Early prototypes were green rectangular affairs - just imagine the type we know but moulded as rectangular. I've recently learned (website) that it was designed to fit inside a Mess Tin. I'll add a URL if I can find the page.
I have 2x green WBs, both dated 1964 or '65. Swapped in stores with later black WBs (privately purchased, no offence committed) - I couldn't find any green Mugs (I had a day assisting the storeman).
1x went straight into my collection, the other went into my kit box in stores. One day I drew out my kit to find a new respirator (S10) and the green cap on my precious WB had been replaced with a new black one for use with the respirator.
(I still use the WB for bushcraft, another hobby. It's 1965, made by "F&G". It could do with a new seal.)
The storeman did not understand and was typically somewhat "unsympathetic" - promises of beer in the bar would not convince him to look/retrieve it. I think he thought I was simply being weird. And I could never let on that I collected kit - I'd never be allowed to work in stores ever again...
The early water "jerrycans" were also green, the one in my collection also dated 1964 or '65. I think (from memory) all these were made by "F&G".
This led me to the theory that the beetle shaped WB was introduced in 1964. You've just disproved my speculation. This is good 'cause I've learned something that may well tie-in with webbing redevelopment.
Mine are rare, yours rarer still - and more significant, history-wise (IMO).
![king](https://2img.net/i/fa/i/smiles/icon_king.png)
Subject to outlay, I now regret having not bid, it's always preferable to have physical proof to back up research...
I'll survive...
It'd be great if you could UL pictures that show the details.