RARE US Army WWI Preston Officers Canteen Mess Kit Private Purchase

Description

Original US WWI Preston Patent Rare Officers Private Purchase Complete Mess Kit Canteen. Bought By Me over Thirty Years ago from an Antique Ship On Long Island New York as Part of a Military Grouping that included
this
, a Doughboy Helmet nd an Eagle Snap Cartridge Belt.
Offered in excellent condition this is an extremely hard to find mess-kit invented in 1895 by GUY II. PRESTON and later retailed through Abercrombie & Fitch. All parts are included as photographed. It includes as pictures a Canteen, Cooking Pans, Drinking Cup, Utensils that all Fit Together into an Adjustable Over The
Shoulder
Carrying Lace Up Carrying Pouch, There is also a Hanging Clip on the Back, and NF in Ink under one side below Strap. Also appears to have Blood Spots on Strap and Body of Canvas Canvas Pouch! I am
Reluctant
to sell this But I enjoyed Acquiring it Years ago, I have Enjoyed Owning It and I will Enjoy Seeing it Go to A New Collector. Bottom of Canteen appears to have a small spot of Solder on it, But who is going to use this anyways!
This was clearly issued and used, Includes Three Utensils Fork, Spoon and Knife that have
Soldiers
initials N.W.F. Stamped on them and two Knife and Fork appear to be Sterling Silver by Stratford Sterling Company
WW1 Officers were required to procure their own uniforms and accouterments. This mess kit canteen combination was made for Private Purchase and is a typical private purchase item available to officers. Some officers even purchased larger mess sets capable of serving several men at one meal. These were officers whose duty was behind the front lines. Combat officers at the front only carried what was necessary.
This is Just an all Around Rare Private Purchase U.S. Army Officers Kit that is Both Complete and In Excellent Condition for It's Age That Likely would Have Been Bought By a Well Off Soldier as It was Likely an Expensive Kit at The Time VS the Ordinary Issue Canteens Available at The Time!