WWII German M31 Mess Kit
The M31 mess kit was introduced in 1931. The mess kit was smaller with it's 1.7 liter capacity than it's predecessor, the M1910. Various types of construction techniques amd materials can be found during the production of mess kits. Aluminum was used in the body and lid. Steel was also used later in the war. The type of construction with aluminum and the edges completely rolled over and a steel handle can be found until about 1943.
1939
ESB 39
Unused aluminum mess kit painted in feldgrau (field grey). The handles on both the lid and body are steel. The edges are completely folded. Includes the seventeen hole leather strap. (20060924)
1942/43
SMM 43 (body)
MN42 (lid)
This aluminum mess kit has a "been there" look to it. The handles on both the lid and body are steel. The edges are completely folded. Missing the seventeen hole leather strap. Non matching maker marks but, named to "Roth" on both the mess kit body and the lid. There is also a very light name scribed on the mess kit near the handle hinge. This name appears to be "Willi Seeger". The name "Roth" is chiseled very distinctly into the top edge of the mess kit container that is usually covered by the lid. There are two locations on the lid that the name "Roth" is scratched into; the outer top of the lid and the inside of the lid handle. The oliv (greenisholiv) paint on the lid is discolored from heat. The inside of both sections are unpainted. About 80% of the feldgrau (field grey) paint is missing on the body. (2006roth)