This is part of a WW1 American soldiers kit. The little tin can with hinged lid held a field ration of cured bacon or salt pork. Not sure how bacon got the name “Model 1916” or why the label never went into colloquial use.
S&B was the can manufacturer.
3 comments:
It is confusing a century later. The Model 1910 mess kit (an aluminum skillet with a folding handle and a separate cover) was called a " meat can" and the Model 1916 was called a "bacon can" by the U.S. Army. There was also a "condiment can", a square sided 3 compartment can which was intended to hold coffee, sugar, and some salt. If the bacon can was empty, the condiment can would fit inside.
Jack from Illinois
Post Script: The condiment can was a Model 1910 and the WWI U.S. canteen (water bottle to you Brits) and cup are also "Model 1910".
Post P.S.: The Model 1910 bacon can was made of bent sheet metal and soldered. The Model 1913 had a hinge. The Model 1916 was made of seamless metal with a friction fit top cover. The U.S. Army quit issuing them in August 1918, made obsolete by canned meat.
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