BACKGROUND: The field cutlery set was a standard individual personal equipment item that was issued to all personnel along with other provision for eating in the field that included the mess kit, canteen, breadbag, fat container and a small portable, dry fuel tablet stove. The field cutlery set was generally carried in the breadbag along with other assorted personal items. The field cutlery sets came in a variety of models including a folding fork and spoon combination, a three piece set with a spoon, fork and knife and a more elaborate set containing a spoon, fork, knife and bottle/can opener. Following the old adage that, an army runs on its stomach, the field cutlery set must be considered one of the most important of all personal equipment items.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Standard issue, natural aluminum construction folding tablespoon and four tine fork combination. The handles of both the spoon and fork have a central pivotal rivet with the fork layered on top of the spoon. Maker marked and dated for 1939. Early war high-quality aluminum construction.