Model 1910 meat can more commonly known as the mess kit. It has a flat oval lid mated to a 1.50 inch deep pan. The pattern is the standard US pattern for the period but this kit is marked on the handle with “U.S.” over “1918” over “FRANCE” with a maker’s mark. This shows that the kit was produced in France and issued out to American troops.

Attached to the flat lid is an old typed paper label that reads “LLOYD F. BAKER, SAFE HARBOR.” There is no doubt that the label has been on the kit for years.

Inside the kit are the eating utensils. The fork has a closed handle that is stamped “U.S.” on the front while the reverse is marked “WB” over “1918.” The knife also has a closed handle and is marked “U.S.” on one side and “L.F.& C.” over “1917” on the other. The spoon is also closed handled and is stamped with a “U.S.” while the reverse is stamped “W. B.” over “1917.”

Also with the piece is a display label and collector’s tag.

Lloyd F. Baker was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on September 30, 1898. He was a resident of Safe Harbor when he enlisted in the Army on June 29, 1917 and was given serial number 1260369. Baker was assigned to the 103rd Supply Train, 28th Division. He was promoted to private-first class on August 1, 1917 and to corporal November 3, 1917. He sailed to France with his Division on May 27, 1918 and arrived in France the following June 11.

While in France he took part in the repulse of the 5^th German Offensive of the war from July 14-27, 1918, the advance on the Ourcq and Vesle July 28 to September 7, 1918, Muse-Argonne Offensive from September 26 to October 9, 1918 and in the Thiaucort Sector from October 15, 1918 to November 11, 1918. Baker was discharged on March 30, 1919.

After the war Baker worked as a farmer, married and had two sons. He died in Millersville in 1970 and is buried there in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.   [ad] [ph:L]

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