A beautiful mess tin which only requires some boiling over an open fire to take away its newness. The cover was improved by a hand wash and being allowed to dry on the tin.

With this comment in mind I should say that my soft Service cap was improved 100% by wearing it in the shower. Be careful, it did shrink slightly!
As many people suggest the chin strap is too long, so I cut it back a bit. I also darkened it down with shoe polish. With a vintage badge it now seems close to perfect. After looking at many photos I do wonder though if the peak is a little too large. I would be curious to find out how you study the making of your excellent reproductions.

I especially love your stiff service cap which also now supports a vintage cap badge. I ironed the top brim to settle the seam down and give it a sharper appearance. Everything about it seems to evoke the early days of the Great War.

Soper - CA

Another excellent repro. As mentioned, soldering is a little rough, but I consider this authentic, after all they were intended for utility over beauty! Needs a good wash out before use obviously. As for the canvas vs webbing cover, I have an original set of mess tins with a webbing cover (but the tins are rusting, hence buying these ones to eat out of) so either is correct.

Palfrey - US

This mess tin is amazing, would be worth it at twice the price!

Ander - CA USA