WW2 British, VERY RARE, Mess Tins, Aluminium, 1939, with Dated Storage Bag.

The British Army, on introduction of the 37 Pattern Kit, decided to replace the older D-shaped mess tin for something more suitable to modern warfare. They adopted a rectangular pair of nesting aluminium tins with a folding steel handle. These proved to be lighter and more hygienic than the older model, however, these were quickly withdrawn to use the aluminium for aircraft production.
Several changes to the basic design took place, rounding the corners, reducing the depth, adding reinforcement crimps to the top edge, and adding a reinforcement groove along the long edge of the side.
This pair of tins is a very rare survivor and was manufactured by L.A. Co. in 1939 and is accompanied by its khaki cotton storage bag, also dated to 1939; although the maker is unreadable (refer to photo). The earlier aluminium produced tins had two methods of attaching the handles to the pan: welding or riveting, these being the more common riveted variety.
In excellent condition, however, the smaller pan has a small ‘dint’ to the top edge of one side, I’ll leave it to the purchaser to decide if they want to retain this piece of its history. The bag has dirt and marks consummate with age; however, I believe it is the original bag for the tins. I am also listing an un-issued 1940 dated bag that can be purchased to go with these tins.
Priced to reflect the condition and rarity of this much sought-after piece of British kit.

Very Rare!!

Code: 100