MODEL 1874 US ARMY MESS KIT OR MEAT CAN:
The standard issue mess equipment for the Indian War
soldier from 1874 into the 1890’s, the Model 1874 Mess
Kit, or as referred to in the language of the time, Meat
Can, was a necessary piece of equipment for every
soldier, providing him with both a plate and frying
pan.
This specimen retains the full form with no misshaping.
The plate/lid fits tightly into frying pan as it should
and the handle closes over the set to secure it
together. The handle and ring attachment are intact and
the “US” is present on the handle. The handle is
stamped with a unit applied inventory control number “31
INF B”, indicating this meat can was issued within
Company B of the 31ST Infantry Regiment. The
tin plating is still present on the exterior and
interior of the plate, and the exterior of the pan. The
interior of the pan shows some evidence of having been
used, but nothing out of the ordinary.
A very nice specimen that will display nicely with a
Model 1874 Cup, a set of utensils and a set of condiment
bags to complete the representative grouping of the mess
gear provided to each trooper. (0907) $125
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