Original U.S. WWI M1910 Mess Kit with Depiction of Naked Mermaid & Utensils by Landers Frary & Clark - Dated 1917

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 very interesting engraved mess kit manufactured by Landers Frary & Clark in 1917. The lid of the mess kit is engraved with a very peculiar bunch of geographic shapes, but the bowl of the mess kit is engraved with a gorgeous depiction of a naked mermaid in the sea, with her earrings glistening in the light.

The set comes with a spoon dated 1918 by W.B.D., a knife dated 1917 by A.C. Co., and a fork dated 1917.

A lovely set with some taboo artwork, ready for further research and display.