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M1908 EXPERIMENTAL MESS CUP: An original
US Army M1908 Experimental Cup developed and issued
during the equipment trials during the early 20th
Century. Made of aluminum, this light weight cup
features the unique slotted handle that insulated the
handle from the cup body after was heated. The slotted
handle was designed to accept the tines of the soldier’s
fork, thus providing a handle to introduce or retrieve
the cup from the fire without burning his hands. This
specimen is in full form with minimal dents, and the
washers are present, but are worn from age and storage.
The handle is plainly marked “U.S.”, “R.I.A.” for Rock
Island Arsenal, but has no date. The lack of a date of
manufacture on different types of arsenal manufactured
equipment that are normally found with a date is
believed by some to indicate that the undated specimens
were made during the first year of manufacture –
possibly during a trial period, with the dated specimens
coming along later as production was continued. A nice
presentable specimen of a relatively rare cup. (080912)
$125
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