The Cold Weather Mess Kit Cover is classified as Cold Weather Clothing under the Special Regional Clothing category. It is a cover fitted over the mess kit to prevent its contents from freezing in cold climates. A similar piece of equipment is the Cold Weather Canteen Cover. These, along with other cold-weather gear, are listed in the 1938 (Shōwa 13) Army Uniform and Equipment Regulations1.
In this article, I would like to introduce an original example of the Cold Weather Mess Kit Cover.
Shōwa 18 (1943) issue, Army Clothing Depot
A common type made of cotton fabric. It is dead stock and unused, with no notable damage.
It comes with a strap long enough to be worn slung over the shoulder, allowing it to be carried not only by tying it to a backpack but also by wearing it over the shoulder.
The interior is lined with fur. It has a drawstring, allowing the opening to be cinched closed.
Shōwa 12 (1937) issue, Osaka Army Clothing Depot?
This example is made of flannel fabric. Although this item itself does not bear an inspection stamp, a Cold Weather Canteen Cover made from the same flannel fabric—found at the same time—does have a clear inspection stamp indicating Showa 12 (1937), Osaka Army Clothing Depot.
I also considered bidding on that Cold Weather Canteen Cover, but the final price exceeded my expectations, so I decided to pass. At that point, I already owned four Cold Weather Canteen Covers, and I judged that I did not need any more.
I have also confirmed the existence of a Cold Weather Mess Kit cover made of flannel fabric dated Showa 18 (1943), so it does not appear that older examples necessarily used especially high-quality materials simply because of their earlier production date.
The basic construction is the same, but it does not have a strap for carrying it over the shoulder. In addition, the drawstring for tightening the opening is missing.
Footnote
- “Revisions to the Army Uniform and Equipment Regulations under Article 5 of the Army Uniform Regulations” JACAR (Japan Center for Asian Historical Records) Ref. C01001561600, Eizonsyo Documents, Series A, Category 1, Shōwa 13 (1938) (National Institute for Defense Studies, Ministry of Defense) ↩︎
