BRITISH MESS TIN DESIGNS
By the start of the Second World War, a number of different types of mess tins were in use by British and Empire troops around the world.
TIN, MESS, OLD PATTERN (front view)
The D-shaped mess tin was introduced around 1814, towards the end of the Napoleonic wars, and continued in service until about 1938.
![British Mess Tin Designs A10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/a10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, OLD PATTERN (maker mark)
This tin was manufactured in 1936 by Corfield & Buckle Limited of London.
![British Mess Tin Designs B10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/b10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, OLD PATTERN (inside)
By the Great War, the D-shaped mess tin (of tinplated steel) consisted of a body with square-shaped bail and a lid with a folding handle.
![British Mess Tin Designs D10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/d10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, CAVALRY PATTERN (front view)
Introduced around 1870, the circular-shaped cavalry mess tin survived well into the early part of the Second World War as an issue item of the Royal Air Force. This pattern of tin featured two sets of metal brackets for a leather strap to pass through, for attachment to a saddle.
![British Mess Tin Designs E10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/e10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, CAVALRY PATTERN (maker mark)
This tin was manufactured in 1939 by Joseph & Jesse Siddons Limited of West Bromwich.
![British Mess Tin Designs F10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/f10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, CAVALRY PATTERN (inside)
The cavalry mess tin consisted of a plate and a skillet with a folding handle, both made of tinplated steel.
![British Mess Tin Designs G10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/g10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, RECTANGULAR (top view)
Approved in 1938 for use with the new 1937 pattern web equipment set, this new design was made to fit specifically into a pocket of the small pack and was constructed of aluminum with steel handles.
![British Mess Tin Designs H10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/h10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, RECTANGULAR (maker mark)
This set of mess tins were made in 1939 by C & B Limited.
![British Mess Tin Designs I10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/i10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, RECTANGULAR (inside)
The new pattern of mess tin consisted of an inner and outer body, both with folding handles.
![British Mess Tin Designs J10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/j10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, RECTANGULAR, MILD STEEL (top view)
Introduced in 1940, the steel mess tin quickly replaced the aluminum version which had been withdrawn due to a drive for aluminum salvage.
![British Mess Tin Designs K10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/k10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, RECTANGULAR, MILD STEEL (maker mark)
This set of mess tins were made in 1941 by the Metal Box Company Limited.
![British Mess Tin Designs L10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/l10.jpg)
TIN, MESS, RECTANGULAR, MILD STEEL (inside)
Just like the aluminum version, the steel rectangular mess tin consisted of inner and outer bodies with folding handles. They were also tinned and featured pressed metal ribs on the sides.
![British Mess Tin Designs M10](https://i.servimg.com/u/f58/18/12/23/83/m10.jpg)