In this blog posting, we'll be taking a side-by-side look at both versions. We'll take an inventory of the differences, and the similarities. I hope you find it illuminating.
First off, I have to say that I absolutely love the Model 1944 aluminum versions of these mess kits, especially when they are paired with the windscreen and alcohol burner set-up. This is my go-to, compact "one kit does it all", bushcraft pack stove and pot set. I haven't found anything better. There are lighter weight civilian set-ups, but nothing that is as easy to use, compact, versatile, and durable (in my opinion).
The prices for the aluminum version (model 1944) have sky rocketed, in the last 10 years. At one time you could pick up these aluminum kits for a few dollars each, now I see them selling for upwards of $65 to $100 US Dollars! I guess that is a testament to how great these integrated stove-pot sets are, and an indication of how a limited supply, and high demand, can drive a market........even a seemingly tiny market like Swedish Mess Kits!
If you think the Model 1944, aluminum versions are expensive these days, then you are in for a surprise when you decide to shop for the older, Model 1940, stainless steel versions. The prices for these stainless steel kits (without a stove set) can rise to around $100 US Dollars! Is it worth the price? Let's take a look at the two and see if there is anything that makes these stainless steel mess kits any better, (or worse), than the aluminum versions.
First off, I personally love mess kits, so having one of each version is reason enough of a reason to buy one of each. If you are a collector, then read no further, and get out there and buy both! If you are a "bushcrafter" looking for a single mess kit to add to your kit, then this may help you decide on which one to purchase. You can't really go wrong with either one, but there are a few differences between the two.
For our comparison, we'll be setting the "stove set" aside and just looking at the two mess kits. The wind screen, stove sets were added in the 1960's, and prior to that, the mess kits were used as stand alone cookware. I'll dedicate another blog posting to the history of the stove sets later.
With the exception of the metals that these are each made off, both of these mess kits are the same, and different................ The overall dimensions of the two are the same. The same height and the same oval footprint. They both share the same basic configuration and features. The differences are in the details.
The first big difference you will notice, when you pick them both up, is the weight. The stainless steel kit is HEAVY ! I put it on my trusty scale and weighs in at just under 3 pounds! If you are going to be packing a significant number of miles, and you are trying to keep your kit weight down, then weight alone may be a deciding factor for you. If it is, then go for the aluminum version. With the stove set and fuel included, the aluminum version is just about the same weight! Without the stove set, the aluminum version is "half the wight".
When it comes to the years and models that you will encounter out there, it comes down to WW2 stainless steel versions, or post-war aluminum. From what I have seen, the stainless steel kits were all produced from 1940 through 1944. Then there is a big gap in mess kit production. The next block of kit years I have seen start in the 1960's. It is my guess that the specifications for the mess kits were changed in 1944 to aluminum, but since there were a ton of the stainless steel kits in circulation, production of the new models was not started until the 1960's. After the big production run in the 1960's, production seems to stop again.
***NOTE*** Please see the first two comments responding to this post. One of my blog follower's, and fellow collector, "Inupiat" , has added some very relevant information on these kits. Great information on years produced, painted colors, markings, etc. Thanks!
Trangia invented the small alcohol burner in the early 1950's and produced a version of the alcohol burner with the mess kit windscreen set-up for the Swedish Army from 1964 to 1976. This matches up pretty good with the 1960's dates on the aluminum mess kits.
It should be noted that either mess kit will fit in the windscreen-stove kit. You will often find a mix of both styles of kits paired with the stove-kits when you start shopping around. This is why it is essential that you can tell the difference between both mess kit versions!
DIFFERENCES:
The easiest way to immediately tell the difference between the two kits is to look at the "groove" around the top of the lower pot. The stainless pots have one, and the aluminum ones have two.
The bails are a different shape. The aluminum kit has a flat curved bail, and the stainless one has a squared bail with an offset.
The bail mounting lugs are different.
The handles are attached differently. The stainless steel handle mount is pinch welded on and the aluminum kit handle is riveted. The shape of the handle mounting plate is also different.
The angle that the handle sits at, when open, is different. The stainless one is a steeper angle.
The side profile of the cup-lid is slightly different. The "top oval" shape of the aluminum cut-lid is smaller.
The aluminum kits are stamped with the Swedish "Three Crowns" and a date. The stainless versions have various maker's marks or makers names, and no dates (no dates that I have seen).
The stainless steel version fits VERY tightly together. The aluminum version is a bit smoother and looser fit. ( Lid-cup to pot fit).
You will find these kits both "in the bright" unpainted, and in painted conditions. From what I understand, these kits were often issued out to the units unpainted and then painted, and repainted in the field, but that is unconfirmed. I will say that every "new and unissued" kit with 1960's dates that I have seen, are bright and unpainted.
We'll take a closer look at the WW2, stainless steel, M40 mess kit in an upcoming blog posting, but for now this should give you a good idea about what you are getting in both kits.
For bushcrafting and camping, you can't really go wrong with either one. If you want a steel "tank" of a mess kit, that is virtually indestructible, but HEAVY, go with the M40 stainless. If you want a lightweight "sport scar" version, go with the M44 aluminum. Choices, choices, choices......or just get one of each! Either way you can't go wrong!
I have had many of both sets pass through my hands on eBay. I keep a stainless kit always for use. They are much more robust and I don't have to worry about dents or staining as I have seen that on the aluminum ones.
ReplyDeleteThe aluminum kits from the 40's to 50's have the same bail mounts as the stainless ones and are exactly the same. They also are painted olive-brown-gray vs the mid 60's to 70's kits which are painted in m58-9 green. I have never seen an unpainted kit. The newest stamped aluminum kit I had was 1976.
You are correct about prices being crazy. When I can get the stainless, I average $129 or more depending on the stamps. The ones with three crowns sell for the most. I find mostly stamps with ESKILUNA PRESSBOLAGET or Gense and a few with no stamp.
Forgot to add that I have a M/1895 mess kit as well, which is taller, flat on the back, aluminum, but otherwise similar in build to the m40 and m44 kits. The newer ones even, without windscreen, fit in the straps of the M/1905 and M/1915 Ränsel Knapsacks.
DeleteCan you see a stamp on the stainless one? Sometimes they probably wear out, but it is on the front middle above the groove. Also the ESKILUNA PRESSBOLAGET ones have a 4 leaves clover on the inside of the handle on the small pot. If it has the clover on it with Gense stamped, then they are mis-matched, but may work.
All of the aluminum ones I have seen have the 3 crowns and a set of numbers, the 60's + ones with year.
Too bad it doesn't allow me to upload pics in comment to show you.
One other thing, you can use the M/1939 leather-bottom gas mask bag as a carrier.
Great information Inupiat 1 ! My M40 stainless steel kit is marked "ESKILUNA PRESSBOLAGET" on the pot and has the 4-Leaf Clover on the cup-lid handle, with the initials "ESAB". I understand that the clover and initials are also from the maker of the pot, so this would be a matched set. Interesting that the early post-war sets are the same as the war-time sets, only aluminum. I guess that would make the later 1960's-1970's versions a completely different designation....something like M60 (?) Interesting........... I would love to find some sort of official instruction and designations for kit colors. I often wonder if the colors were official or just in the color that was in use at the time. It is interesting that there is so little information on theses kits considering how popular they are!
ReplyDeleteA new batch of unissued alu sets from the civil defence with their logo has been release at reasonable prices, around 40$ Röda Stjärnan is selling them.
ReplyDeleteI'm not even sure if anyone still checks this blog but i'll give it a shot, I checked my stainless set today and it has the three crowns and 5116c underneath, could anyone give me any information on this? TIA.
ReplyDeleteHello "Agent219".
ReplyDeleteInteresting number markings on that stainless mess kit. I have never encountered one with that 5116c stamp. I would like to see the crown stamping to see if it is a copy or an original. It would be great if you could email me a few photo of it. I'll check into it, but photos would really help. You can find it in the "About Me" side bar of the blog, or, here it is to make it simple: marksharky@hotmail.com
Cheers!
Sharky
In reference to the question from "Agent219". I went back and read the various comments from previous blog readers on this post. It appears that "Inupiat 1" answered your question. You can read his complete comments at the beginning of the comment section. He states that the 1940's & 1950's aluminum mess kits have the crowns and a three digit number under the crowns. The 1960's kits have the year. I am not sure if the year stamps continue up into the 1970's and newer or not. All of my aluminum kits are 1960's dated.
ReplyDeleteI hope that helps.
Cheers!
Sharky