{"product_id":"original-italian-wwi-wwii-era-regio-esercito-model-1905-military-field-coffee-grinder-with-metal-carrying-case","title":"Original Italian WWI–WWII Era Regio Esercito Model 1905 Military Field Coffee Grinder with Metal Carrying Case","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is an Italian military hand-operated coffee grinder, or \u003ci\u003eMacinello per caffè\u003c\/i\u003e, of the Model 1905 pattern, originally developed for the Royal Italian Army (\u003ci\u003eRegio Esercito\u003c\/i\u003e). Introduced in the early twentieth century and associated with Italian military field kitchens through the First World War and subsequent decades, this distinctive piece of equipment retains its cylindrical metal grinder, detachable hand crank, and fitted rectangular carrying case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grinder is constructed from heavy, vertically ribbed sheet metal, with a manually operated internal grinding mechanism. A curved metal crank with a rounded wooden knob fits onto the spindle projecting from the top, while a threaded adjustment nut allows the grinding surfaces to be adjusted. The lower portion incorporates projecting metal supports designed to position the grinder above the carrying case during use, allowing the ground coffee to collect below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying rectangular case is similarly constructed from ribbed sheet metal and retains its hinged lid, metal closure, and side carrying handle. It was designed to protect the grinder and accommodate the detachable crank during transportation, while also serving as a support for the grinder when in use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is good overall, with substantial age and handling wear. Both the grinder and its carrying case exhibit extensive finish loss, dark patination, scattered oxidation, and surface discoloration. The case retains its principal hardware, while the grinder retains its crank and wooden knob. The knob shows noticeable surface wear and deterioration near its upper end. The interior also exhibits oxidation and accumulated residue. The mechanical operation of the grinding assembly has not been established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003ci\u003eMacinello per caffè Modello 1905\u003c\/i\u003e was introduced in 1905 as part of the Royal Italian Army's field-kitchen equipment. It was intended for use with military cooking installations preparing approximately 125 or 200 rations, providing kitchen personnel with a practical means of grinding coffee beans wherever troops were supplied with hot food and beverages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoffee had long been an established part of Italian food culture and military provisioning. For soldiers serving away from permanent garrisons, its preparation depended upon the equipment available to military cooks and supply personnel. The Model 1905 addressed this requirement through a compact, manually operated mechanism that could be transported alongside other field-kitchen supplies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grinder employed a conical grinding arrangement operated by a removable crank. Turning the handle rotated the internal mechanism, crushing coffee beans between the grinding surfaces. The fineness of the resulting coffee could be adjusted through the threaded mechanism at the top. Ground coffee passed through the lower opening into a receiving container.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pattern is associated with \u003cb\u003eTre Spade\u003c\/b\u003e, the Italian manufacturer established in 1894 at Forno Canavese, near Turin, by the Bertoldo brothers. The firm's name, meaning \"Three Swords,\" originated from its trademark depicting three crossed swords, and it became an established producer of coffee grinders and related metal equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly production of the military Model 1905 employed riveted sheet-metal construction and a matte black finish. During the First World War, production underwent changes that included the use of glossier black finishes and spot-welded construction on later examples. The separate carrying case remained an important part of the equipment, protecting the grinding mechanism and allowing the assembly to be stored and transported with military kitchen supplies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Italy entered the First World War against Austria-Hungary on May 24, 1915, the Royal Italian Army faced considerable difficulties in supplying its troops across the mountainous Italian Front. Military kitchens operated as part of the army's wider logistical organization, preparing rations and hot beverages for men stationed in camps, rear areas, and positions supplied by field transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mountainous terrain, particularly along the Alpine and Isonzo sectors, placed considerable demands on military transportation. Food and equipment frequently had to be moved through difficult terrain using pack animals, carts, and established supply routes. Field-kitchen equipment therefore needed to withstand repeated handling and transportation while remaining practical for daily use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1905 belonged to this generation of robust military cooking equipment. Its hand-operated design required no external power, and its metal carrying case allowed the grinder to accompany mobile kitchens during extended operations. The complete equipment weighed approximately 7.5 lbs. (3.4 kg), reflecting its substantial construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1905 pattern remained relevant to Italian military provisioning beyond WWI. During the Second World War, Italian military coffee-grinding equipment also included a later cylindrical pattern of lighter construction, weighing approximately 3.9 lbs. (1.75 kg) and dispensing with the separate rectangular carrying case. The continued development of these grinders demonstrates the place of coffee preparation within Italian military field catering during the first half of the twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46286073528389,"sku":"ONSV26KMK088","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/78A2194F-21B7-442A-83CB-BBE71D31BC78.jpg?v=1793819372","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-italian-wwi-wwii-era-regio-esercito-model-1905-military-field-coffee-grinder-with-metal-carrying-case","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}