HUGE German Type Mess Tins.

Its still in work at the moment so will post pics up when I get it home.

Bid on what I thought from the pics was a 2 part mess tin in the German style but a bit different(hence another of those why the hell am I bidding on this!!)so couldnt resist.

It arrived today and is about 4 times the size of a std mess tin(didnt look that big in the pics). Gave it a quick once over at work,no original paint and no markings or stamps visible that I could see but if any help in iding it,the lid part has what looks like a part sticking out that you fit some form of wooden handle to it?

Many Thanks

It sounds like you are describing a French army squad boiler, circa 1950s. These are quite common these days in the surplus market, and I saw lots of them in the big flea market in the north end of Paris last year, which is where I picked one up. As far as I know, they were never painted.

Does it look the like the one listed here as the Bouthéon mess kit?

http://17thdivision.tripod.com/id58.html

I've not seen this one in particular, but I've seen others. The idea is one guy from the squad goes and gets chow. Much easier than bringing the chow to the trenches or pulling everybody out for a meal.

Steve

Wolverine wrote:It sounds like you are describing a French army squad boiler, circa 1950s. These are quite common these days in the surplus market, and I saw lots of them in the big flea market in the north end of Paris last year, which is where I picked one up. As far as I know, they were never painted.

Does it look the like the one listed here as the Bouthéon mess kit?

http://17thdivision.tripod.com/id58.html

The very same Andrew and how much of a Dumbass am I and imagine the shock when I saw this large box arrive thinking wow,thats a big box for such a small mess tin!!!!

Will have to check it out properly for stamps,dates etc.

Many Thanks

I am pretty sure that the one I have is marked.

Cannot see any markings on mine which is a shame.

If I recall, my set is dated 1955, and any other sets that I looked at were about the same. I am not sure what the fitting for the lid is for.

From what I've seen now I know what it is,of others on EBay the stamping is on the bottom of which mine is quite worn,may give a bit of a going over with some wire wool to see if it reveals something. No idea myself about the lid fitting,am thinking for some form of handle?

Yes, it could be for that.

The date on my cooker is 1955.

Would anybody be interested in it,along with a 3 piece WW2 French Mess Tin?