{"product_id":"original-world-war-i-era-u-s-mess-kit-complete-with-its-matching-fork-and-knife-usmc-and-ega-on-lid","title":"Original World War I-era U.S. mess kit, complete with its matching fork and knife. USMC and EGA on lid.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal World War I-era U.S. mess kit, complete with its matching fork and knife, presented in well-used, field-worn condition. This classic oval aluminum set features the correct folding handle and two-piece construction typical of early 20th-century U.S. military issue.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe standout feature is the hand-etched “USMC” carved into the lid, accompanied by a simple scratched design above—likely done by the Marine who carried it. This kind of period personalization adds strong character and authenticity, offering a direct, tangible connection to a U.S. Marine Corps serviceman of the Great War era.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth utensils are present, with the knife showing honest oxidation and the fork retaining a more stable finish. The mess tin itself displays expected age wear, including surface scratches, light staining, and patina consistent with field use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA solid, untouched example of a WWI U.S. mess kit with desirable USMC attribution—perfect for collectors of early Marine Corps or Great War field gear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MidTennMilitaria ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48868106141948,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/5541\/2732\/files\/E3250921-9DD0-4406-89CC-CB16489FDDBF.jpg?v=1773895130","url":"https:\/\/midtennmilitaria.com\/products\/original-world-war-i-era-u-s-mess-kit-complete-with-its-matching-fork-and-knife-usmc-and-ega-on-lid","provider":"MidTennMilitaria ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}