Original U.S. WWI Named 2nd Division 9th Infantry Engraved Mess Kit with Name and Date of KIA Comrade & List of Battles
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is the engraved mess kit of Sergeant Edward V. Nicholson, Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division. Nicholson was one of the original members of Company H and fought through every major engagement of the 2nd Division, first arriving in France on September 17th, 1917. On the side of the mess kit, Nicholson engraved J. MAYLEY - KILLED - 7/19/18. This is referencing Corporal Jacob L. Maylie, who died from his wounds received in action on July 18th, 1918. This soldier obviously saw a great deal of combat while in France, and watched many of his friends die in front of him.
The mess kit is engraved on the top, bottom, and under the lid. The top of the lid reads:
“VAUX” - 7/1/18
SOISSONS - 7/18/18
ST. MIEHIEL - 12/9/18 (9/12/18)
CHAMPAIGNE - 10/2/18
CHATEAU THIERRY
6/1/18
9TH INF. 2ND DIV.
CO. H.
Under the lid is the soldier’s name, E. NICHOLSON.
The bottom of the mess kit is engraved:
VERDUN - 3/17/18
LORRAINE - 8/7/18
(STAR IN CIRCLE 2ND DIVISION INSIGNIA)
9TH INF.
FRANCE - 9/17/17
It appears that Nicholson attempted to engrave the full 2nd Division insignia, but realized there wasn’t enough room for the Indian Head, so it’s just the circle and star. This is traditionally the insignia of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, but it is likely that he engraved this before the regimental insignia were set in stone, so it makes complete sense.
Edward V. Nicholson was born on April 19th, 1897 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He enlisted in the Regular Army on July 14th, 1917, and was assigned to Company H, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division. He went overseas in September 1917 and and fought through every major engagement of the 2nd Division, returning in March 1919. He served as Captain of the Elizabeth Fire Department and passed away in June 1968.
This is a fantastic identified piece of 2nd Division field gear with a grim note about a friend’s death. They don’t get much better than this. Comes ready for further research and display!
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