1910-1918 Meat Can (Mess Kit)

About the most important utensil issued to the doughboy was his Meat Can or Messkit. It was the means by which he was able to obtain and prepare rations in the field. Each soldier in the field with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) was issued a meat can or mess kit. Designed to be used as a frying pan and plate it was to be carried in a canvas bag that attached to the back of the M1910 haversack.

The 1910 Meat Can is nearly oval in shape. The frying pan was stamped out of aluminum, approximately 1.5 inches deep, 8.25 inches long and 6.75 inches wide. The cover, which doubled as a plate, clipped down into the top of the frying pan. A hinge, riveted to the end of the frying pan, was fitted with a nine inch galvanized iron handle. This allowed the handle to fold back over the length of the mess kit and lock down the top on the frying pan. When the lid was locked into place it enabled the assembly to be converted into a storage can for rations.

The assembly was modified in 1918 when the AEF reported back that the 1910 pattern was too shallow for the issue rations that many soldiers received while on campaigns in Europe. The AEF recommendation called for a redesigned Meat Can with a deeper configuration. Amazingly, in the middle of production, manufactures halted, retooled and began producing the new model one half inch deeper. The new pattern was designated the M1918 Meat Can.

Non-standard as well as obsolete patterns have also been encountered as part of survivors' mementos signifying that they were used to a limited extent in the AEF. This includes a pre 1910 pattern stamped tin meat can which was made in a circular pattern. Another non standard example that has been encountered is a oval stamped tin 1918 Meat Can that is marked as being manufactured in France. Neither the classic American Munitions or lists of contractors filed with the post war Congressional Testimony on War Expenditures mention these as being part of the inventory.

Both the 1917 and 1918 patterns were issued unmarked with the exception of US and the manufacture's logo located on the tip of the folding handle.

For the most part, production of the 1910 and 1918 meat cans was assigned to six contractors, which completed and delivered 5,545,934 by the Armistice at about 16 cents each. The survival rate of 1910-1918 meat cans was substantial. The War Department reported 2,391,569 of various patterns (salvaged and un-issued) in their inventory after the Armistice.

In the post war era the M1910 Meat Cans were also offered by the notable surplus dealer Bannerman in their 1925 catalog for 15 cents used and 45 cents in new condition and included their covers. A complete mess kit with utensils and a Spanish American War era tin cup was offered in good used condition for 48 cents.

M1910 Knife, Fork, Spoon

In addition to the Meat Can the soldier in the field was issued a utility knife, fork and spoon. Of note: the "US" stamping on all WWI manufactured utensils is a capped block U S type font. WW2 and later examples do not have the capping on the U or S. The utensil handles on WWI manufactured examples is always solid with no hole in it where later examples are often have a cut out loop on the handle. All WWI examples of knives and forks are made of iron and tin plated to prevent corrosion.

Fork: The issue fork was 7.5 inches long with 4 prongs. All issue examples are stamped with the "US" on the end of the handle. Examples have been observed with the US and the manufacture's logo manufacturers logo and/or date also stamped on the handle. Contractors delivered 10,462,810 of these by the 1918 Armistice. Inventories taken after the war showed 2,495,574 in both new and salvaged condition remained in stock. Spoon: The issue spoon is 7.5 inches in length with the same construction and details as the fork. Contractors delivered 10,346,000 of these by the 1918 Armistice. Inventories taken after the war showed 2,456,593 in both new and salvaged condition remained in stock.

Knife: The issue knife was 7.5 inches in length with a 1-inch wide flat steel blade. The handle was of aluminum cast around the shank of the rolled steel blade. Many of these knives had the manufacture's logo cast in relief into the handle along with the date. The vast majority of these utility type mess knives seem to have been manufactured by L.F & C. and bear a WWI date. A pre 1910 pattern is often encountered in surviving soldiers memorabilia however it has a longer blade and the US, date and RIA manufacture's logo are STAMPED in the handle. Contractors delivered 11,283,060 of these by the 1918 Armistice. Inventories taken after the war showed 4,128,300 in both new and salvaged condition remained in stock.

Continued

	M1910 Meat Can (Messkit)		M1910 Canteen Assembly
	M1910 Bacon & Condiment Cans		Personal and Manufactures Marks
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