Utensil Mess Kit
It was very common for soldiers to gather souvenirs from World War II, any war really. Sometimes, they would ship the items home rather than carry them for the duration of the war.
During World War II, Carl Rehm’s Clothing Store displayed in their window war souvenirs that had been brought back. The items included captured flags, pistols, patches, and cigarette cases. Nearly every week, there was a Journal article about what was on display, who sent it, and where it came from.
This mess kit utensil set once belonged to a German soldier. It includes a knife, fork, spoon and bottle/can opener. The bottle/can opener is designed to hold the other three utensils like a nesting doll. This utensil kit is imprinted with C & C. W. 42 – the name of the manufacturer, Colsmann & Company in Werdohl, Germany and the year 1942.
T/Sgt. Isaac “Ike” Notestine served in the US Army in Italy and brought these items back to Sturgis. His daughter, Jane Notestine Dickey donated these to the museum.
The bottle opener, spoon and fork are imprinted with an Wehrmacht eagle and swastika, making it a complete set and quite unique.
Rachel Boland is a dedicated volunteer archivist and researcher at the museum.
