This is cup is made of thin, tinned sheet iron, and measures four inches in diameter and three inches tall. The edges have been crimped and the bottom has been turned up and soldered, like the handle. Both the upper portion of the body and the handle have been corrugated to add stiffness and strength, but the handle does not employ any rivet at the bottom or wires or rivets at the top, so it probably served its purpose well enough around camp, but might not have survived in one piece close exposure to a campfire while heating coffee or cooking on campaign.

Civil War mess gear was issued through the various state and federal recruiting services and shows a wide variety, especially before the US government tried to centralize things and establish standard patterns. Even then there would be different gear showing up in the field through private purchases by soldiers or gifts from well-wishers who might think a cup with a bail handle, or a lid might be useful, or the soldier might be happier and the envy of his comrades with a convenient combination fork, knife and spoon, etc.

The condition is very good, with no dents and numerous traces of the lighter color, thin tin coating of the iron sheeting, which has oxidized to gray.  [sr][ph:L]

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