Original U.S. Indian Wars M1872 “Meat Can” Mess Kit with Lid - Rare MG 34 Reciever Assembly / HARTFORD on the left

/ HARTFORD on the left blade body

There is no decoration on the Informal Pattern beyond a plain

made in 1875 for the "U

and really is in good shape considering the age

Original U.S. Indian Wars M1872 “Meat Can” Mess Kit with Lid - Rare MG 34 Reciever Assembly / HARTFORD on the leftOriginal Item. Only One Available. In 1872, a board of officers recommended the adoption of a meat can for both infantry and cavalry units. The M1872 meat can was not a field mess item, but was intended to hold the uncooked meat ration to prevent grease from soaking into the material of the haversack and other equipment. The can itself is made of heavy tinned iron, 6 x 5 and approximately 1 wide. There is an intact handle on the left side which is not