Messkit – MN45
The M31 messkit or “Kochgeschirre M 31 (Alum.)” was a 1.6 liter capacity cooking pot carried on the left side of the breadbag. The messkit was a clever engineered piece of equipment capable of serving as a cooking or eating pot. The early models also had indicating marks on the front, under the handle on which could measure the size of the contents. It had a cleverly placed wire handle on which the messkit could be hung above a fire. The messkits came in a big variety of colours and materials. At first the messkits where nearly completely made out of aluminium except the wire handle. From around 1940 onwards the handle on the lid was made from steel. In 1942 the simplified steel model “Kochgeschirre M 42 (Eis.)” was introduced. It had less and less well crafted details and the production became a hurry. I found the designation “M42” in the production numbers of the German Industry.
Model: “M45”
Marking: MN45 (on both bales)
Maker: Metallindustrie GmbH. Neunkirchen-Saar (MENESA)
Material: Bare aluminium
Colour: –
Notes: This model is often referred to as the “M45” model. It is assumed this is the last ditch production as it remains unpainted, without a handle to further simplify production. These models have been encountered in used condition, and also personalized versions of this messkit are sometimes found. They are called M45 but I have not encountered this abbreviation on a official document yet.
Please note these articles are for reference only and not for sale!
F. Suijkerbuijk collection
