When To Beeswax A Canteen?

[Bob 125th NYSVI]

Ok been through CRRC2 (III.16) and it correctly points out that soldiers didn't bother doing this they just got a new one issued.

Did an AC thread search using "beeswax canteen" as a criteria and got 14 hits and maybe I'm just a little dense, but I didn't see anything that tells me how to know it is time to re-wax a tin canteen.

I understand how to do it, I just don't know how to tell when to do it.

So if someone can point me in the right direction, even just the link to the right thread, I'd appreciate it.

[Steamboat Willie]

Re: When To Beeswax A Canteen?

Bob,

There are a few " how to " suggestions but they are buried under a bevy of " Why would you want to do that " posts. I would go with the latter.

Good luck with whatever you choose!


Rick Gath

[Charles Heath]

Re: When To Beeswax A Canteen?

Bob has an excellent point!

Many of the threads have beat the same old wax-the-canteen horse to a delightfully smooth spread suitable for crackers, and not unlike a good goose liver pate. Why does it then seem as if no CW reference exists for comparing New Yawk canteen waxing with waxing surfboards?

Perhaps for the same reason Riley does not mention how to set the points on a US Army mule by using a matchbook cover anywhere in his book. To complete this day's journey into the heart of darkness, let's fast forward to the early 1980s when a young lieutenant asked how he would possibly know if a portajohn needed servicing. To help this individual, and those like him, the following was printed in the official section of the Daily Bulletin the very next day:

"The normal color of the liquid in the tank of a portajohn is a beautiful seawater blue with a distinct disinfectant scent. Said latrine will need servicing when the water has turned brown and has an unsavory taste."

Pretty much covers the canteen waxing, too.

Once in a while the OBM has to take of the hat and swat a fly....and find a lock.