French M35 Mess Kit Dated 1939

The French M35 mess kit (originally known as the Gamelle Militaire Modèle 1935) is a cooking and eating set. The set was designed for the French armed forces in the run-up to World War II. 

Design and components

A complete set—which this one is no longer, as it is missing the middle insert—consists of three interlocking aluminum parts:

• Large cooking pot (outer pan): The deep outer container used to boil water, make stews, or store dry rations. It features a large metal carrying handle to hang the pot over an open campfire. 
• Middle insert (inner tray): A shallow, rectangular tray that fits precisely inside the outer pan. This served as an additional plate or to keep different types of food separate.
• Lid / Frying pan: The top lid securely closes the set and features a long, folding metal handle. When flipped over, this part functions as an independent frying pan or plate. 

Historical background

The kit was introduced in 1935 and was part of the standard issue equipment during the Battle of France in 1940. Following the French surrender, the German Wehrmacht confiscated large quantities of these sets. Because the M35 was very similar in size and functionality to the German M31 mess kit, the Germans distributed them widely to reserve troops, Atlantic Wall crews, and rear-echelon units. Production continued after World War II into the early 1950s, after which the French military switched to the later M51/M52 models.