West or East German Mess Kit?

Hello,

This is my first posting so here it goes:

I realized I have a West or East German mess kit in amongst my militaria/camping/wildland firefighting gear. I searched but can't nail down whether it is East or West in manufacture? I know for sure it's post war due to the height of the kit from the bracket and extra liner it contains.

But what I don't know is this: It has an "MM 72" stamped between the rivets on the cover and "MM 74" on one of the lugs for the bail. What does "MM" stand for and are the numbers "72" and "74" dates of manufacture?

I also have the combo mess kit with cup, bottle and cover and strap and these are marked "PSL 66" and "PSL 68". BTW, what am I supposed to use the compartment/cover with strap for? Boy is this piece kinda awkward!

Any help with these questions is appreciated and thank you in advance,
JR

Hi , Please write an introduction for yourself in the introductions section , Thanks


As far as your mess kits go , you may need to post pictures of them , pictures help greatly .

I'll have to do the intro when I have some time.

Anyway, I got around to taking some photos and here they are:

Looks like I'm having some trouble posting pics.

Sorry,
James

German mess kits usually have a two or three letter stamp and two numbers. The letters represent the manufacturer, the two numbers the date of production. There are dozens of different models out there! Remember that these were used by lots of non-military forces, such as Polizei, BGS, ZB/ZS, THW, RK, and all kinds of other formations. While it is true that most of the time the color is the only actual difference, it is also true that there are many different slight variations over the years.

Steve

I see you have never posted photos.
What your describing sounds like West German.
Most of the Ost kits are a noticeable bit smaller also.
Sarge