Mess Kit question

[Snake Master]

Hey,

Did WW2 soldiers put tape on there mess kits and write there names in pencil on the tape, because a couple of years ago I bought a US WW2 mess kit for US $12 and it had tape under the arm with a name written in pencil on old tape, not thinking I removed the tape. Was that a smart move? I used it for Boy Scouts for a few years, its dated 1944.

Thanks,
Michael

[Adrian Stevenson]

Possible I suppose? But not too practical when it came to hygene and washing it.

Cheers, Ade.

[Snake Master]

Do you think it will decrease the value?

Thanks,
Michael

[Walkwolf]

I don't think it harms the value at all. Nothing to worry about.
Enjoy it for what it is and IMO, it's good that you have
used it for camping - a nice piece of kit.........!

[theduke635]

Mess tins are not that valuable to begin with ...I have this real bad problem ..some would say on the verge of a mental hospital..but i collect mess tins..up to about 20 them now ..they are really cool ..the way they washed them in the field I don't think tape would have held on for very long ..But welcome to the mess tin club!!

[Snake Master]

Thanks everyone,

I was VERY worried I severely decreased the value, the tape seemed as though it was gonna fall off anyway, so I took it off. It didn't make much sense to me as you guys said. Why would somebody put tape on something that will be washed anyway? I think it was put there after war but I don't know, I guess it doesn't really matter since it doesn't effect the value,

Thanks,
Michael

[theduke635]

Thanks everyone,

I was VERY worried I severely decreased the value, the tape seemed as though it was gonna fall off anyway, so I took it off. It didn't make much sense to me as you guys said. Why would somebody put tape on something that will be washed anyway? I think it was put there after war but I don't know, I guess it doesn't really matter since it doesn't effect the value,

Thanks,
Michael

Nope you are good ...The most I have ever seen a mess tin go for is like $20 unless its a trench art decorated one..even then they go for only about $50 .. I have paid anywhere from FREE to $25 for mine

[Snake Master]

Would you have recommended taking it off even if I had kept it on?
Also I have a helmet with the same type of masking tape on the outside of the liner, should I take that off too?

Thanks,
Michael

[theduke635]

it would have most likely fallen off anyway ...leaving it on or taking it off doesn't affect the value any ..so i wouldn't sweat it too much