Germany, Wehrmacht. An M31 Mess Kit, Mid-War Example, by Stahlwerk Mischkau

(Kochgeschirr M31). An M31 mess kit, constructed of magnetic steel with olive-drab paint, featuring a retractable lid which opens to reveal a hollow interior, fastening closed with a metal clip and original full-length blackened leather strap retaining a functional metal buckle, with dual side eyelets accommodating a retractable metal handle, one eyelet base stamped with a maker’s mark of “SW M”, most likely indicating manufacture by Stahlwerk Mischkau, above a date of “43”, with the strap stamped on the reverse with a maker’s mark of “A. JUERGENS, GOCH”, surrounding a date of “1941”, measuring 16.5 cm (w) x 15 cm (h), a mid-war example in extremely fine condition.