Original Item: Only one available. This is a very nice late war example of a German Mess Tin M31 or Kochgeschirr Modell 1931 (cooking pot Model 31). A scaled down version of the earlier M1910, it is a kidney shaped cooking pot with a total capacity of 1.7 liters. It consists of 2 parts: the pot with the wire handle, and a cover with a handle to use as a plate.
Early in the war, these were made entirely from aluminum. As the war progressed, they moved to steel handles on the lids, and eventually were made entirely of steel, such as this example. It is painted in the standard Green color, with a red primer base coat. The interior is coated with red enamel. It is maker marked ESB / 43 on the lid hinge for 1943 manufacture by Eduard Sommerfeld, Berlin. Condition is very good, with the usual service wear to the outside, with some paint damage.
The tin comes with a correct leather strap, used to hold the set closed as well as to attach it to the combat rigging. While this strap is still correct it is a post war produced example.
A very nice WWII M31 Mess tin, ready to add to your collection!