{"product_id":"original-u-s-vietnam-war-unopened-type-c-field-ration-c-rat-by-southern-package-storage-co-dated-november-1968","title":"Original U.S. Vietnam War Unopened Type C Field Ration “C-Rat” by Southern Package \u0026 Storage Co. - Dated November 1968","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This was a fantastic discovery: an original U.S. Vietnam War \u003cstrong\u003eMeal, Combat, Individual\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known to servicemen as the \u003cstrong\u003e“C-Ration” or “C-Rat,” \u003c\/strong\u003epacked by \u003cstrong\u003eSouthern Packaging \u0026amp; Storage Co. in November 1968\u003c\/strong\u003e. The original shipping case was still unopened when acquired, and upon inspection all \u003cstrong\u003e12 individual meal cartons\u003c\/strong\u003e were found to remain inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe opened the box to check the contents, and we found all 12 meals still in their boxes, but do note that most of the meals have\u003cstrong\u003e degradation and discoloration\u003c\/strong\u003e at the bottom from the food spoiling inside. Therefore we would not recommend purchasing this set if you plan to break it apart and sell the piece individually, as the majority of the contents are likely spoiled or degraded. The box looks good for display with the top open showing the different meals inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe twelve meals in this box include \u003cstrong\u003eChicken Boned, Beef Slices \u0026amp; Potatoes W\/Gravy, Beefsteak, Beans W\/Frankfurter Chunks in Tomato Sauce, Chicken and Noodles, Beef W\/ Spiced Sauce, Turkey Loaf, Ham Sliced \u0026amp; Cooked, Pork Sliced \u0026amp; Cooked, Spaghetti W\/ Ground Meat, Ham and Eggs Chopped, and Beans W\/Meat Balls in Tomato Sauce. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe side of the box still has original packing information present:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOUTHERN PACKAGING \u0026amp; STORAGE CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCONTRACT NO. DSA 130-68-C-Z007\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDATE NOV. 68 LOT 33\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis denotes a packing date of \u003cstrong\u003eNovember 1968.\u003c\/strong\u003e As is to be expected, the contents of this box are over 58 years old and are heavily degraded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of the \u003cstrong\u003eNovember 1968 packing date, Southern Packaging \u0026amp; Storage Co. contract markings, complete assortment of twelve MCI menus, original shipping carton, and surviving individual meal boxes \u003c\/strong\u003emakes this an excellent representative example of the everyday field rations consumed by American servicemen during the Vietnam War. The internal food deterioration and staining are significant condition issues, and the set should be stabilized before being displayed, but the completeness of the case and clearly dated contractor markings give it considerable historical value as a logistics and field-subsistence artifact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdiot Clause - the contents of this kit are pre-1968 manufacture and are NOT suitable for consumption. They are being sold as novelty collector pieces only. Even though some people on youtube have tried. Yuk!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46205513498693,"sku":"ONJR24SUHA93","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/8BFBE531-92EF-44A8-9D91-65CDECA6BCA5.jpg?v=1793387028","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-vietnam-war-unopened-type-c-field-ration-c-rat-by-southern-package-storage-co-dated-november-1968","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}