Item Description
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 phenomenal mess kit named to Captain Robert J. Burnett, Commander of Company A, 334th Machine Gun Battalion, 87th Division. The mess kit is marked on the handle to L.F&C. 1918. The mess kit is engraved with an M1917 Browning Machine Gun, and places he visited in France including Paris and Savenay. The engraving in the middle reads:
CAPT. R.J. BURNETT
CO. A 334 MG. BN.
Burnett was from Vicksburg, Mississippi, and went overseas on August 24th, 1918 with the Advance school detachment of the 87th Division. He returned stateside on March 7th, 1919. It’s amazing to find anything from a Company Commander, especially with engravings he did himself!
This is a great piece of personalized & engraved WWI history, ready for further research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
