Original Item: Only one available. This is a very nice late war example of a German Mess Tin M31 or Kochgeschirr Modell 1931 (cooking pot Model 31). A scaled down version of the earlier M1910, it is a kidney shaped cooking pot with a total capacity of 1.7 liters. It consists of 2 parts: the pot with the wire handle, and a cover with a handle to use as a plate.

Early in the war, these were made entirely from aluminum. As the war progressed, they moved to steel handles on the lids, and eventually were made entirely of steel, such as this example. It is painted in the standard Green color, with a red primer base coat. The interior is coated with red enamel. It is maker marked HRE.43 on the lid hinge for 1943 manufacture by Heinrich Ritter of Esslingen, a known maker of mess tins and canteens from the mid 1930s until the end of the war. Condition is very good, showing only light wear and a bit of chipping on the later war Panzergrau (armored gray) finish. Really a great example.

The tin comes with a correct leather strap, used to hold the set closed as well as to attach it to the combat rigging. It is in very good lightly used condition, and is named on the inside with PA. Walther. The end is also maker marked with TIWO / HEIDELBERG / 1942 at the very end of the strap.

A great condition WWII M31 Mess tin with some fantastic markings, ready to add to your collection!