The Army modified it's mess kit of 1910. The earlier model was round with a handle that folded over the pan to hold down a metal lid which served as a plate. When reports came back in 1917 that the pan and plate were too shallow, manufacturers stopped production immediately and retooled their machines to make the kits 1 inch deeper. Both kits were made of corrosion resistant, aluminum and utilized thin handles.
By 1932, the mess kit had been improved. The concept was roughly the same - a folding handle that holds down a plate over the pan. However, the new design was that the plate/lid was indented in the middle, allowing two deeper pockets without having to elongate or alter the locking handle. The pan was also made deeper and the shape of the kit was now more oval and than round. The most significant change was that the pan was made of "corrosion resistant" galvenized steel.
In 1942, the makers changed the handle, widening it and changing the hinge system from a cast metal to a stamped type. The new design was also entirely comprised of stainless steel, a significant and welcome change. This final pattern lasted well after the war.
Forks, spoons, and knives are usually of stainless steel or tin plated steel. During the war, knives were often issued with a bakelite (pictured above) or an aluminum handle (more common). As the war continued, the manufacturers returned to a stamped metal as it was easier to make.
Mess kits are easy to come by. You will want to look for the M-1932 or M-1942 patterns, the latter being the more common type you'll find. Most common are dated 1944 or 1945. Any will do fine for our events. You'll want to get one as our unit often serves chow in the field, thanks to our Field Kitchen Section when they are able to come out.
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