The evolution of the army “meat can”

[WalkaHeap1989]

@Fred Ganskementioned about a particular meat can, so I figured I’d post what I have and what my understanding of this evolution is. 
 

the first official meat can of the army was the model 1872, which was just a tin box to hold your meat ration, separate from the other rations in the haversack, in an effort to keep them from mixing, spoiling, and making an un-cleanable mess. It did nothing to alleviate the soldiers need to purchase plates, cups, and utensils. In 1874, the army hit on a brilliant idea: a “grease tight” meat can that could double as a fry pan, and plate, and along with this beauty, they provided flatware and a cup to the individual soldier. 
 

The first model of this meat can had a slotted handle, supposedly to help dissipate heat, and a centered pull ring to pull the two halves apart. This handle was supposedly flimsy, though the original in my collection appears quite robust, but it does fail to fold out enough to make much of a useable fry pan. The top plate doesn’t seem to be very tight either, so I’m not entirely sure how well this would keep grease from leaking out. 
 

The second model retained the centered pull ring, but had a solid handle, which folds out flat to make a much more proper frying pan. This model too, however, falls short as the top plate does not sit tightly on the bottom half, and therefore probably also leaked and stained the haversack and ruined other rations. 
 

The third model was updated to have an off center pull ring, but retains the solid handle. The off center pull ring may be part of the issue that caused the plate to not sit and seal properly when fully closed, as the third model is nice and tight, and could definitely keep grease from leaking out when stored. 
 

The fourth meat-can here is the mystery. By outward appearance, this could be misidentified as a model 1910, as the top plate is nearly flat. The difference is that this is made of heavy sheet iron, and the 1910s were made from aluminum. This one is definitely marked as “RIA 1903” for Rock Island Arsenal with a production year of 1903. I believe, I have read somewhere that there was an “official” pattern change in 1900, where the meat can was changed again, as were the utensils and the cup. But I’ve only read this once a long time ago, and cannot remember the source. 
 

So that is my understanding of the meat cans in a nutshell. If anyone has any more information, or guidance, I welcome you to let me know!

[Kwc27122]

Very Informative! I have the 3rd model meatcan you mention as well as a couple of forks.

[Fred Ganske]

The fourth meat can is indeed the model 1900.  I have two or three undated examples (1900-1902), and three others with dates of 1903 and 1904.  I have not seen any of this model dated later than 1904.

I have two 1905 experimental 100% aluminum meat cans that are basically an aluminum version of the model 1900. 

The 1909 trials meat cans had the same lid as the 1905 experimental but replaced the aluminum handle and its small three rivet aluminum hinge with a steel handle and the much larger hinge as used on the 1910 model. 

Additionally, I'd like to point out that the lid on your first meat can does not fit any of the later versions as the shape is elliptical and the others are oval.  Your second pattern meat can features the same sectional profile as all the later models.  I have a third pattern (solid handle and offset ring) has the same sectional profile and elliptical plan as your first pattern.  It would appear that there are more patterns than collectors recognize.    

[Skytroop]

Wow! that first pattern meat can is a rare item. Congratulations on the find!

[Making Elbow Room]

Is that yours? How did you come across that? During a field dig?

[WalkaHeap1989]

2 hours ago, Making Elbow Room said:

Is that yours? How did you come across that? During a field dig?

Which meat can are you referring to? They are all mine, and I’ll be honest in saying I forgot where I found most of them, but it would have been a militaria show, or in an auction. 

[NBCguy]

Wow neat collection. Thanks for posting.

[WalkaHeap1989]

37 minutes ago, NBCguy said:

Wow neat collection. Thanks for posting.

Thanks! Always glad to share my knowledge on this stuff.