Mess Tin..

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi, this has no date on it but initials and a regt number scratched on it...

Any idea if it is WW1?

[Chris Boonzaier]

I think it is, but am not sure..

[Chip]

Chris,

If it is not WWI, it could certainly pass for it. Aluminum mess kits were discontinued pretty early on in the war. All aluminum kits that were at the front were supposedly recalled and replaced. The need for aluminum caused tinned, painted and even raw oiled steel to be substituted by 1915. Later on, as the need for aluminum abated, I believe it was used again, as it really was the best material for this use.

Chip

[Chris Boonzaier]

Good, I was worried that all WW1 ones needed a stamp.

I guess my EUR3 was not wasted after all :-)

[Daniel Murphy]

Actually, The aluminum ones were never made again during the war. The material was too much in demand for the construction of Zeppelins and other aircraft, and would not have been wasted to make dinnerware for the infantry. The final model was the feldgrau enameled steel mess tin dating from 1916. During 1918 some were also enameled black. Judging from the number of surviving aluminum mess kits, I do not believe they were recalled for smelting. Of course many thousands became victims of shot and shrapnel and many of them would have been salvaged. Of course during the Reichswehr period the aluminum ones were manufactured again. Someone told me once that he believed that all of the brass buttons were supposed to be recalled and replaced with steel ones and the brass used for armaments. I believe it is a misinterpretattion of the regulations. Every early issue unifrom I have seen that originally would have had brass or tombak buttons, still has them.

Dan Murphy

[Chip]

Dan,

There were a Prussian and Bavarian decrees (in September 1915) ordering all mess kits made from aluminum to be withdrawn from the front to be used for other needs of the army. It is hard to believe that this was universally adhered to, but it was mandated.

Chip

[JensF.]

It is WW1. Which regiment is scratched into it?

[Chris Boonzaier]

Was just given this as a gift....

Silesia 17 on the lid, Silisea16 in the bottom.... me be a happy boyo... "thank you" is always the best price ;-)

[Chip]

Chris,

It looks like a very nice example. Very little enamel damage. Excellent price too!

Chip

[JensF.]

Lucky man!

[Chris Boonzaier]

About a week ago someone told me that these black aluminium ones could be early war... or post war for SA or NSKK or Reichswehr etc. etc. etc.

Anyone know if they were made after the war again?

[JensF.]

Yep, they made them too, but usually with a dark green paint. The pre war ones were usually black.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Does anyone have a clear pic of the strap I need for it?

Thanks

Chrus

[Chip]

Chris,

Are you talking about the Kochgeschirrriemen for the Tornister?

Chip

[Chris Boonzaier]

Jup, indeed.

Someone told me they were the same as the blanket straps?

[Chip]

Chris,

Whoever told you that was wrong. The three Mantelriemen had a "double strap", one to go around the Mantel/Decke/Zeltbahn roll and the other to attach the roll to the Tornister. The Kochgeschirrriemen were simple straps with a roller buckle. Two were needed to attach the Kochgeschirr to the Tornister.

Chip