I think it was heated numerous times over an open fire. No need to clean (not sure if you can get it off anyway), it's part of the history.
I would agree that this precisely why it is blackened and that this is a sign of field use.
I wouldn't clean it either unless it is sticky which is what happens if the fire is fueled by something like Hexamine solid fuel tablets.
In that case the stickiness is unpleasant but is easily removed with a good soap liquid.
Regards
Mark
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing he cares more about than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature with no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
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