Original Item: Only One Available. This standard French Army issue mess kit dates back to 1852, when it was established by Marshal St. Arnaud. (Individual mess kit) The Gamelle is the issue mess kit, made of tinned metal, they are round with a lid and chain. These normally had, on the inside of the pot itself, a small individual plate and handle to allow the poilu to cook his own meal, most of the time though, these got lost in the trenches. This example is no exception and is missing the inner “plate” but is complete with bowl, lid and chain. The bowl allows the soldier to eat, cook or carry their food.
Adopted in 1852 it is a bowl made of tinned iron, with a lid connected by a chain clinging to one of the two loops that allow you to put the bowl on top of the knapsack held by a belt. It was built in many variations depending on the time. This wartime example has riveted handles and is in good service-worn condition with some oxidation as shown.
Comes ready for further research and display!