WW2 German mess tins
The German WWII mess tin, known officially as the Kochgeschirr 31 (Cooking Gear 31), was a staple item issued to every Wehrmacht soldier during the Second World War. Its design reflected the German military’s emphasis on practicality, compactness, and mass production efficiency. The Kochgeschirr 31 replaced earlier, bulkier models used during World War I and was standardized in 1931, hence its designation. The basic shape was an oval, kidney-shaped container made of aluminum early in the war, and later of steel due to material shortages.
The design of the mess tin is generally credited to military engineers working under the Heereswaffenamt, the German Army Weapons Agency, which was responsible for standardizing and approving military equipment. Though not attributed to a single designer, the form was clearly influenced by the evolving needs of a modern, mobile army. The kidney-shaped profile allowed the tin to nest comfortably against the body, fitting neatly into a breadbag or attaching to the Y-straps or field gear. Its capacity was about 1.7 liters, and it came in two parts: the lower pot and an upper lid that also served as a shallow pan or plate. The lid was secured with a wire handle that doubled as a bail when the pot was suspended over a fire.
The mess tins were manufactured by a variety of companies across Germany and occupied territories, with each maker stamping its own code or initials onto the base or lid. These manufacturers included major metalworking firms such as SMM (Süddeutsche Metallwarenfabrik), L&SL (Lindgen & Söhne Lüdenscheid), and MSM (Metallwarenfabrik Schwelm). As the war progressed, new manufacturers were brought in to meet demand, and materials shifted from lightweight aluminum to heavier but more available steel. Many tins from the later war years were coated with enamel or painted in dull field gray or green to reduce reflectivity and corrosion.
The Kochgeschirr 31 was more than just a cooking pot—it served as a drinking cup, bowl, cooking pan, and even a small storage container for dry rations. Soldiers became adept at improvising with the mess tin in the field, using it to boil water, brew ersatz coffee, or heat up stew from field kitchens. It was carried daily, often blackened from fire use and showing signs of hard wear. Despite its simple construction, the mess tin became an essential personal item and a symbol of the soldier’s daily life.
