BACKGROUND: The M31 mess kit, introduced in 1931, was based on the WWI M1910 mess kit but was a slightly smaller version with a reduced capacity of roughly one and a half liters. The M31 mess kit was constructed in two parts with a small removable, shallow, top lid which could serve double duty as a plate or a frying pan and a larger, deep bottom compartment that could be used more as a bowl or pot. Following the old adage that, an army runs on its stomach, the M31 mess kit must be considered one of the most important of all personal equipment items. Of Note: Regulations authorized each combat soldier a daily food ration which was most commonly prepared in the field by a units mobile field kitchen and distributed to the front line troops but this wasn’t always possible in combat situations. As a result, front line combat soldiers were to be supplied with assorted canned rations and some bread to be carried individually in the event that food from the field kitchen couldn’t reach their positions.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Light weight canvas construction M31 mess kit cover with leather and steel fittings. The front center of the cover has a small, vertical, inverted "V" slash and an inverted triangular leather reinforcement panel at its bottom edge. The opened, top edge of the inverted "V" slash has a horizontal leather closure strap to the right side with a corresponding closure stud to the left side. Removed from a back pack. Several tears.