Kit, Mess

Object/Artifact

Batavia Depot Museum

Name/Title

Kit, Mess

Entry/Object ID

1988.016.001

Description

Vietnam War-era mess kit made of stainless steel. Set includes a pan, plate, knife, fork and spoon. The handle of the frying pan folds to latch the plate over the pan creating a secure storage compartment for the utensils. The handle of the knife is bakelite. a) pan and plate b) knife c) spoon d) fork

Use

This mess kit was used by soldiers during the Vietnam era to prepare and eat meals.

Context

This mess kit was used by Batavian Ken Ramsey during his military service in Vietnam.

Collection

Military

Made/Created

Date made

1959

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Manufacturer's Mark

Location

handle of the pan

Transcription

U. S. / EA CO 1959 / DA-33-031-OM-21283

Material/Technique

Stamped

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Kit, Mess

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Food Service Sets

Nomenclature Class

Food Service T&E

Nomenclature Category

Category 04: Tools & Equipment for Materials

Dimensions

Dimension Description

(a) Tray and plate

Height

2-1/4 in

Width

6-3/4 in

Depth

1-5/8 in

Length

8-3/8 in

Dimension Notes

When closed position, the object measures 2.25" in height, 6.75" in width, and 8.375" in length. When the pan is fully opened, it measures 1.625" in height, 6.75" in width, and 16" in length. The tray measures 0.875" in height. 6.25" in width, and 7.75" in length.

Dimension Description

(b) knife

Height

1 in

Width

1/2 in

Length

7-3/8 in

Dimension Description

Height

1-3/4 in

Width

7-3/8 in

Dimension Description

(d) fork

Width

1-1/4 in

Length

7-1/2 in

Exhibitions

Exhibition

To Secure These Rights

Notes

Exhibit Start: 2026-03-01

Updated By

Kate Garrett

Update Date

July 17, 2026