Incredibly rare Model 1872 Tin “Meat Can”. These were originally manufactured for a little less than two years, before being replaced by the much more improved Model 1874 Meat Can (Which was the predecessor to the famous Model 1910 Mess Kit, which a derivative thereof is still issued and used to this day!). In 1872 a board of officer’s recommended the adoption of a container to hold the issue meat ration for the Infantry and Cavalry. The can had to be compatible with the equipment issued with the model 1872 Brace System. The intention was to help keep the meat issue clean, and to prevent grease from ruining the haversack, and the contents therein. This is the specific piece that was made to fit in the rectangular inner pocket of the Model 1872 and 1874 Haversacks. Due to the relatively short number of years these were produced and used, these are seldom found items today. The army was much smaller following the Civil War, so a very small amount needed to be produced. It should be noted that when the U.S. military was designing a new ammunition can during WWII, they drew on the design of the Model 1872 Meat Can for the design of the collapsible carry handle! This particular item is in excellent condition, and one of the best examples of this incredibly scarce Model 1872 Meat Can we have ever encountered. Traces of the original tinned finish are visible on the exterior, and even more so within the interior area. All soldered seams are nice and strong. Excellent.