by edstorey Sun Jun 02, 2013 9:25 am
The example that you have is a dismounted pattern, there was also a mounted pattern; it was circular; and both patterns were manufactured in Canada. One of the mounted pattern messtins that I have had been manufactured in Berlin, Ontario in 1913. I own quite a few of the dismounted pattern messtins and they can be found sporting several sub-variant or manufacture's differences. I have a 1916 dated example manufactured by the same Montreal company as yours, but without the finger holds and the side nipples on the top lid.
Besides the Messtins, there are also canvas covers for each type and these were also manufactured in Canada.