Item No. 5221164

This is one of the finest examples of the rare M1872 meat can I’ve seen in recent years, retaining much of its original finish. This unusual model was produced for only two years, having been replaced in 1874. The meat can wasn’t part of the mess kit. Rather, it was made to hold the uncooked meat ration issued to the troops. The friction lid, which has a collapsible bail handle, prevented grease from escaping and spilling onto other items in the soldier’s haversack. It is constructed of heavy tinned iron with embossed “US” on either side. It measures about 6 1/2” x 5 1/2” x 1 1/2” without the handles included (overall 9” x 6 1/2” x 1 1/2” including handles).