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.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly 15cm long, one piece natural aluminum construction mess hall teaspoon. The spoon has a central raised ridge to the front of the handle and is well marked with an impressed Luftwaffe eagle. The reverse of the handle is also well marked with impressed manufacturers mark and dated for 1938. Also marked "Fl. U.V." indicating, Flieger Unterkunft Verwaltung, (Flight Barracks Administration).