United States. A Mess Kit, Canteen Cup And Cutlery Set, C. 1942

A mess kit constructed of aluminum. Ovular shape with handle on a hinge secured with two rivets. The handle is constructed of a magnetic metal and is thin with a hole at one end and curved up to support the lid portion when in use. The top lid portion is constructed of magnetic metal and is divided into two sections and bears a “D” ring on one side secured with a rivet. The handle is marked “U.S. GMCO  1942”. The handle measures 226 mm (l), the lid top portion measures 200 mm (l) x 162 mm (w), and the base measures 212 mm (l) x 171 mm (w).

A canteen cup constructed of aluminum in the shape of a bean. The cup bears a handle constructed of magnetic metal attached to the canteen cup with four rivets. The handle folds out and secures to the side of the canteen cup with a sliding latch. The handle bears two slots - one horizontal and one vertical. The flip of the canteen cup is flared. The cup is marked “42” on the side and “55” on the bottom. Measuring 137 mm (w) x 103 mm (h).

A set of cutlery consisting of a fork, spoon and knife. The fork and spoon are of non-magnetic metal and are stamped with “U.S.” on the handles. The handles end with ovular loops. The reverse of the fork handle is stamped with “U.C.S.O.”. The reverse of the spoon is stamped with “SKOCO”. The fork measures 182 mm (l) x 28 mm (w). The spoon measures 190 mm (l) x 47 mm (w). The knife blade is constructed of magnetic metal and the handle is not. The handle is stamped “U.S.” on one side with an unknown mark on the other side. Again, the handle ends with an ovular loop. The knife measures 185 mm (l) x 23 mm (w). 

Footnote: The mess kit was designed so that both the bottom and top lid portion could be utilized at the same time. When the kit was unfolded, the top lid portion could sit and hook onto the handle making it very easy to go down the line and collect food. The loops in the cutlery were made for the cutlery to be threaded through the handle of the mess kit to dry after being washed. The slots in the handle of the canteen cup could fit a fork so that the cup could be placed over a stove or fire and be heated up. The flared lip of the cup appears to be a minor detail, but was in fact, very important. A rolled lip on a canteen cup held too much heat after being placed over a stove or fire which would burn a soldier’s mouth. A flared lip did not hold as much heat, making it easier for a soldier to drink whatever warm liquid was inside. 

Provenance Footnote: Deaccessioned from the Museum Collection of the Royal Canadian Military Institute.