MESS KIT, aluminum, United States Army, 1918, hinged black iron cross-bar on top converts to handle for the pan, cross-bar stamped "US [MFG] 1918" at end, lid with ring is used as plate when detached, kit also includes a spoon and fork (regulation knife missing) stamped "W5W/ 1918" beneath their handles, "US" stamped also on top of handles; pan 9" (22.9 cm) in length, 7" (17.8 cm) wide; kit overall in fair condition, heavily used, significant scratches and scorch stains, and other discolorations; fork and spoon also worn and heavily abraded.

CANTEEN, aluminum with removable canvas cover (right) with dual button clasps on front, stenciled in black "M G / U.S." with a design of crossed rifles [infantry], manufactured by "BRAUER BROS. MFG. CO. / 1 [January] 1918"; back of canvas cover includes loop and metal pins for attaching canteen and cover to utility belt, aluminum cup with hinged handle cap removable from canteen’s body; cap attached to mouth piece by metal chain; canteen 8" (20.3 cm) high, 6.25" wide (15.9 cm); overall canteen body in good condition, including canvas cover, which is only slightly worn at lower right edge.

KNIFE, steel blade with full-tang construction, bronze guard and carved bone handle, no inscriptions; not army issue like spoon and fork; overall length 9.5"; poor condition, blade heavily corroded, handle split along top edge.

As a supply officer at Camp Jackson and in Europe, Lieutenant Umstead was responsible for gathering and disbursing supplies to his battalion, ranging from ammunition and food for the men, to straw and harnesses for their horses. The worn, heat-scorched condition of Umstead’s mess kit indicates that he ate often with his comrades in the field. The canteen does not show as much usage, and its accompanying cup is in near pristine condition, suggesting that these pieces were later issues or perhaps replacements. The knife, which was found among Umstead’s gear, is not military issue like the spoon and fork that are shown. While army manuals restricted the use of non-standard equipment, it was quite common for troops to carry personal knives with them or to adopt discarded pieces on the battlefield to replace lost utensils or other items. This particular knife is too long for storage inside Umstead’s kit, although he may have used it while eating or employed it for other tasks when a smaller cutting tool was needed. In addition to this mess kit and other artifacts, the William B. Umstead Collection includes examples of requisitions and other documents relating to the supply needs of the 317th Machine-Gun Battalion.