Original Australian WWI Lighthorse Mounted Infantry and Cavalry Mess Kit With Correct Leather Strap Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of a moderately used Australian WWI mounted mess kit. This type of mess kit was utilized by both the Australian Lighthorse and Cavalry. Light horsemen mostly fought dismounted. They were considered to be ‘mounted infantry’ instead of ‘cavalry’. The soldiers rode horses to a battlefield where they engaged with the enemy on foot and then left quickly on horseback when disengaging while a Cavalryman would fight while mounted.

The weapons and equipment for the Light Horse was similar to that used by the British cavalry. The standardization and equipping eased the burden of logistics and training. The saddle was the British Pattern 1912.(18) Other accouterments varied according to serviceability and the likes and dislikes of the Australians. The Australians, in their typical way, supplemented the regulation British cavalry mess kit and replaced it with a very serviceable “quart pot and billy” used by the horsemen In the outback. Both served as cooking and eating ware, holding more generous portions than the mess kit. The quart pot provided a boiling container not matched by Issue gear and was used to prepare tea.

This example is in wonderful condition but does show a little “bubbling” in the finish. There is no significant damage present or denting with the leather mounting/securing strap is still in solid condition without damage.

A lovely, rather rare mess kit that comes more than ready for further research and display.