BACKGROUND: As with any nations military the Germans had garrisons and barracks to house and care for its troops when they were not in the field. Following the old adage that, "an army runs on its stomach", one of the major concerns and main benefits of military life was the guarantee of three "square" meals a day. When in garrison/barracks these meals were served in mess halls that had to be outfitted with enough cutlery and flatware to serve the number of personnel stationed there. The Kriegsmarine also had the added responsibility of outfitting the galleys on all sea going vessels such as Submarines, Battleships, Destroyers etc.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The single piece, tooled aluminum construction mess hall/galley tablespoon is roughly, 21.5cm long with a roughly, 45mm wide "bowl". The obverse of the handle is well marked with an impressed Eagle over "M", indicating Kriegsmarine issue.