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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. Both the pan and the
plate are stamped with a unit applied inventory control
number “CO L 11”, indicating this meat can was issued
within Company L to the soldier listed as Number 11 on
the company rolls. 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. (0944) $125
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