German Reservist Flask "Parole Heimat" Metz (1893-1896)

This is a German Reservist Flask (Reservistenflasche), a commemorative object from the German Empire that soldiers purchased at the time as a keepsake of their active military service.

Meaning and background of the inscriptions:

• "PAROLE HEIMAT": This was the traditional, nostalgic slogan on these types of flasks and literally means "Password: Homeland". It symbolizes the end of compulsory military service and the long-awaited return to home and family.
• 1893 METZ 1896: This displays the exact period and location of reservist Meijer's military service. He served from 1893 to 1896 in the strategic garrison city of Metz (annexed by the German Empire following the Franco-Prussian War, currently located in France).
• 13th Regiment: This refers to the military unit where he was stationed. Given the location in Metz, it most likely concerns the Infanterie-Regiment „Herwarth von Bittenfeld“ (1. Westfälisches) Nr. 13, which had barracks in that region at the time.
• Design: Traditionally, these flasks feature detailed, romantic, or patriotic imagery. The back of this specific type shows a glass heart with a relief or painting of a soldier bidding farewell to his beloved.