Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. The 1909 Infantry Board recommended a new “meat can” mess kit that became standard issue in 1910. The 1910 mess kit was similar to previous models but larger, 8 ½” long by 6 ¾” wide by approximately 1 ½” deep and was made of aluminum. Like the earlier covers, which doubled as a plate, it fit into the top of the “frying pan” portion and was secured by a folding galvanized iron handle.

Early in 1918 the American Expeditionary Force reported that the 1910 pattern top plate was too shallow and recommended a deeper configuration. A new mess kit with a lid one half inch deeper, and an appropriately corresponding folding handle quickly went into production as the model 1918.

This is a great engraved mess kit named to Harold Curran, 323nd Aero Squadron, Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. The mess kit was manufactured by Rock Island Arsenal in 1913 as labeled on the handle. The mess kit is engraved with the Signal Corps insignia with wings added and a great depiction of an Observation balloon on the right. There are aero roundels and Curran’s unit designations. The mess kit is engraved:

1160735
AIR SERVICE
UAS
323RD SQDN.
KELLY FIELD
SAN ANTONIO
TEXAS

35TH BALLOON CO.
CAMP JOHN WISE
SAN ANTONIO
TEXAS

This is a great piece of personalized & engraved WWI history, ready for further research and display!