Metal detecting: Found a complete US Soldier's Lunch box from ww2

I was recently with some friends in the Belgium Ardennes where the Battle of the Bulge was fought. Check out what we have found.
Please check out my buddy's metaldetecting channel 'Metaldetecting WWII Battlegrounds':
/ @mdww2battlegrounds

[@aisforamerica2185]

*opens the canteen* Steve1989 calls you on the phone and whispers: *nice hiss*

[@debspils1091]

....WHAAAT??

[@johnchalleen3278]

@@debspils1091 nice hiss

[@newshound2521]

I'm sure he would try the coffee.

[@JustAnotherNamelessGuy]

*lets put this out onto a tray...*

[@fannymuncher6970]

niceeeee

[@F4FWildcat]

The black "button" was a snap enclosure for a canteen potch. The handle on the Mess Kit could be extended and used as a pot handle. Or the section with the divider in he middle could ride atop the handle. One would feed the handle through the D ring and the slide the divided container all the way up the handle to butt up against the other half of the mess kit. The mess kit was probably left behind when the US forces either withdrew or moved on up. The kit likely belonged to a soldier that was either wounded or killed and no longer at the front. No one wanted to carry his gear so to "hide" where there position had been, it was buried. Or, the kit was at the bottom of a foxhole and was naturally filled in by time.

[@jimfritz8983]

Tom Andrews I feel like the kit probably "nested" rather than turned over like they showed on the video. That ring tab at the end of the divided plate may have been a locking mechanism to keep them together. Not sure though.

[@curtjrich15]

@@jimfritz8983 i agree Jim, i wanted to see it put together as you described.

[@samuelfoote9135]

@@jimfritz8983 they were stacked then locked in with the handle for trasport. The D ring was to keep your desert/ vegetable trey from falling off the handle of the pan/plate while eating.

[@ryanthedigger1]

The button was also used on ammo pouches and other variety of things

[@dtnetlurker]

It was left when the forces withdrew. A soldier killed would have still had his nonpersonal gear like his mess kit taken and reused. It never would have been left. Supplies were not so easy to get out on the front and everything that could be reused always was. Soldiers heading out at the end of the liberation however would indeed ditch extra gear when having to march out to meet a transport out of the area. The gear wasn't needed anymore then and was just extra weight to carry at that point.

[@WilliamAmyot]

Those small bullets you had in the shovel are .22lr rounds. Doubt they're from WWII. Probably a hunter or plinker that upended a box by accident.

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

Thanks William. You're probably right. Never found such small caliber rounds before so I was already pretty sure they weren't from the ww2 time period. But very very small caliber, what can shoot with that, rabbits?

[@WilliamAmyot]

Rabbits and squirrels. Also popular with target shooters because it's cheap.

[@BrianPatronie]

Look at the base of the cartridge, there is usually a manufacture's mark there, it might help you discover the origin...

[@ImagineWagonz]

yep from a .22

[@troelsweile7433]

Mauser 22 sportGewehr was used in WW2 for targetpractice, theese rounds could be the real deal from that era.

[@drew6273]

Huge fan of your videos Mike, just showed my History teacher your channel and looks like he's hooked! Also might end up watching your videos in class.

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

LOL that’s great! Thanks for getting your teacher to watch my vids! If he does show it in class, please send me a picture. ;-) Here’s a link to my fb: facebook.com/100007801686275

[@drew6273]

Iron Mike Metaldetecting Will do!

[@HarvestTexas]

Unexploded ordnance is what would scare the hell out of me!

[@tracydillon6160]

I had an army veteran who served in the Ardennes tell me that his unit was being sniped at by a young German soldier using a Mauser .22 caliber training rifle. Did you ever date those rounds?

[@Sool101]

That would be some coincidence. Awesome!

[@babyinuyasha]

The mess kit is made of aluminium, that's why it didn't rust. My dad has a WWII era canteen cup. It's a true pleasure to have.

[@ryleyw3684]

it's rather sad that earth just keeps covering old things more and more, lots to be found

[@tyrantjesus4005]

Its rather sad that we humans just keep covering the Earth with our infastructures and unsustainable lifestyles

[@andysm1964]

@@tyrantjesus4005 well said...bravo

[@TXMamaM.O.]

My father fought in the battle of the bulge. For all I know that could have been his mess kit you found or one of his buddies. He was almost killed there, round went off threw him to the ground in the snow and hurt his back, finally some guys found him and pulled him out for medical. He said he thought he was going to freeze to death before they found him.

[@ScrewRocketFlood]

Awesome video! My great grandpa gave me his canteen and mess kit, made in 1945! It's a little scratched up, but it's in amazing condition!

[@staffannorell7325]

4:17 he finally understands how to dig those up. You are welcome

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

Back when I was in the US Boy Scouts in the 60's, we all had those army surplus mess kits! We will soon be in Bastogne because we are touring and going to be on Omaha beach for the 75th!

[@GLAZERSOUT-oz8kh]

Wow I forever wish you good health sir

[@GLAZERSOUT-oz8kh]

@@bobsbarnworkshop WOW not to be rude. But how much did a trip like that cost ? I’m from Birmingham England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 20 years of age,shame my generation doesn’t value your generation like I do. What was Normandy like is there many war structures there or mainly memorials? Much love from Brad x

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

@@GLAZERSOUT-oz8kh I believe it was $19k for two of us… but that’s all inclusive, all food, hotels, entry fees to venues, etc. was paid for. Only our travel to and from Europe was our responsibility. It was items 1 through 9 on my “bucket list”!

[@GLAZERSOUT-oz8kh]

@@bobsbarnworkshop wow I’d love to travel like that some point in my life and yeah true but Paris just don’t appeal to me for some reason I’d like to go see auschwitz too. Have you ever been? And so around £16k so not too expensive to be honest for what you are experiencing well worth it!

[@GLAZERSOUT-oz8kh]

@@bobsbarnworkshop wow so is the Normandy beach omaha beach local to each other then like walking distance would it be a good walk or truly too far?

[@LynnRC1957]

It's a mess kit there will be a big coffee cup that fits outside canteen...there is a handle that holds the mess kit you got it right it was army surplus that got me through the Boy Scouts.. Nescafé is ww2 instant coffee that is a a snap button that holds a cotton felt liner over canteen.LRC

[@terrystover7365]

The find at about 10:30 or so is a keeper from web gear or a pack. If you push the button in it will release and come apart. One piece on one side and the other on a flap or something. Good finds and a good video too.

[@fffrankthetankkk]

At 10.54 common blue bottle

[@BPaul-hk2jh]

The clamp went around the outside of the mess tins to hold both sides together. When unfolded it could be used as a handle for the pan side. Interestingly enough, the boy scouts of America still use the same kit.

[@sgt.davideswigerusmc5113]

The first "button" would have been the part of a compass or ammo pouch or first aid kit (many uses), that kept the cover part closed. All were a canvas material which was why nothing else was left. Actually, the handle part of the mess kit would hold the two parts together lying through and over the divider groove and latching through the loop, keeping it closed. Then you can open the kit, using the handle to hold the two parts together, again lying the one with the groove on top of the handle, making a three part plate. Good finds.

[@kens7050]

Mike, excellent finds. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@MetalHippie83]

All I keep thinking is some poor GI lost his mess kit and was probably pissed, probably got his ass chewed from his Sergeant too, really neat little history you just dug up who knows what the real story was

[@allenbuck5589]

I’m 70. Met a kid in grade school his dad was army stationed in Germany early 60s. Told as boys the woods was full of artifacts. They just walk and pick stuff up. Thanks from. Sc

[@hugohom2280]

yay another great video keep it up man! greetings from Mexico

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

Thanks buddy!

[@lynnyates5973]

The little"snap" you found was for the cover to the canteen ..it had its own cloth covering that form fitted to it ..Great finds ! Greetings from Texas

[@mikejordan9220]

At 11:15, I believe that is a ammo pouch snap. I don’t know my WWII artifacts that well but I do know I had similar snaps on my Vietnam era ammo pouches when I was in the service. I would imagine other canvas items might have the same snaps.

[@tomsmith4319]

The item you found at 10:38 is a snap closure off a M1 garand 8 pocket clip belt.

[@Jack-jh5ls]

Tom Smith or a first aid pouch or .45 ammo pouch

[@danschneider9921]

Also used on other gear...first aid, canteen pouches, 1943 e tool carrier, gas mask bag etc

[@medicmann8533]

A snap closure to just about any web gear.

[@TheFlatlander440]

That axe head you found was definitely prior to WWII. Perhaps even older than WWI. The shape and size perhaps from the Napoleonic era.

[@AquaticPlace960]

I was thinking the same, when I saw that axe head I though. Wow that's a find!

[@newshound2521]

I was thinking that looked old, old. Can you test metal.for age?

[@suethomas9446]

Hes rough with that shovel..lol

[@cricketking8450]

I noticed that too I go metal detecting but I live in the USA .East Tennessee

[@SuuzieQ]

Almost like they're too eager or too excited to take it out

[@VanDePack]

the handle of the pan folds over into the gap, I have the same mess kit, utensils go inside

[@leroycharles9751]

The maker of the mess kit and year of manufacture were stamped on the steel handle.Pretty cool find.

[@roddydykes7053]

I fear one day we’ll have uncovered all of buried recent (steel) history and someone watching this video would have no chance of finding any more, but hopefully metal detecting technology just keeps getting stronger and we can just dig deeper and deeper over time.

[@joebombero1]

Not likely. We have looked at less than 1% of the area involved. World War II included China, Iran, Thailand, New Guinea, Africa, Aleutian Islands... on and on and on.

[@bobsimmons919]

Great finds. Hard not to think about the boys who left this stuff.

[@williamsoileau1802]

I'd carry simple gardening tools for digging out sensitive items, using a shovel can damage something, garden snips for those pesky aggravating roots, a hatchet, hand saw, trowel, etc... that's gonna help you a lot

[@BeepingMad]

liked and subbed... how ever did I miss your channel. I enjoyed watching

[@armorer94]

The oval shaped thing is the snap to the canvas cover that went over the canteen. The canvas rotted away, but the snap is made of brass.

[@gregbauer1892]

that one item you had in your hand is the closure snap for a u.s. canteen cover which was made out of heavy duty canvas. there were actually two of these snaps on the cover to secure the flaps around the top of the canteen.

[@southernman5839]

Nice work guys! I enjoy digging for relics. If no one digs for relics it just rots away. I think it’s well worth it !

[@JOEMODE4U]

The button at 11:05 is a snap from a canvas canteen cover, or possibly the snap from a canvas entrenching tool cover.

[@wyattsdad8561]

I have to dig fence post holes for my business and I use a large shop vacuum to help me dig. It’s amazing how fast the vacuum moves dirt and rocks away from the hole you’re digging. Too bad you don’t have a generator and a shop vac. It would be super fast for you guys.

[@michaelowens2486]

The live bullets you found the small ones are 22 caliber rounds. PS love your channel keep up the good work.

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

tx Michael!

[@leburnham5864]

The snap assembly at 11:00 is either from a canteen carrier pouch, an ammo belt- the snap for one of the pouches,- or off a gas mask or musette bag. Very common item for U.S. military. I have several ammo belts from that time period that use that same snap. Its bronze with 2 spring wires- one on either side of the outer part of the snap. You have both the outer and inner parts. Likely the fabric decayed and vanished.

[@granddad-mv5ef]

I liked this easily as well as your other videos. But it left me surprisingly sad. Please continue in your quest!

[@davidsawmandave8731]

What's up buddy another nice video the buttons you found that adds a little dimple in the center they separate and it looks like it went to the M1 Garand ammo belt

[@victorflange2441]

History in every spade-full. Nice!

[@JBB685]

sheath was the word you were looking for. great video, keep them up

[@noci76]

(Leather) Pocket / Pouch / case / Pocket Knife Belt Sheath..... But, I think it looks more like a fixed blade knife leather scabbard / sheath. This type; www.picclickimg.com/d/l400/pict/332100103365_/Wwii-Vintage-Us-Army-Pal-Rh-36-Fighting-Knife.jpg

[@AmyPond420]

this guy is so adorable

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

I agree!

[@rambojolue1696]

Iron Mike Metaldetecting haha jou reactie

[@AdventureSonick]

wow awesome find! i saw now all of your videos! :)

[@375GTB]

Look up "A.L.I.C.E. The type of hook/belt carrying scheme used from at least WWI thru Vietnam My ALICE belt, canteen, cup and canvas cover are 1944 Pacific Theatre issue. Never issued, bought in 1964, for $12.95.... War Surplus store. Still have it today. Still as new... "The Duration...." made to last... Camping and car trips. 14,200 ft. Mt. Rosalee, CO, 1976.. J.C.

[@babyinuyasha]

The groove in the middle us actually for the top of the mess kit's latch to rest in. It doubles as a handle so it could be used as a frying pan

[@mike94560]

I bring a cheap small branch pruning shear to cut roots. It makes things so much easier. Try it once and you will never forget to bring one. LOL

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

Good tip! Thanks Mike!

[@thomasbiel7741]

Instant coffee fueled the invasion.

[@Duke_Togo_G13]

WWII Mess Kit was a nice find.

[@sarahstrong7174]

Thankyou for sharing. Nice woods.

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

Thanks for watching Sarah!

[@mathieuthomas7744]

awesome video, big thumbs up. love the history side of the artifacts 😁👍👌

[@CaitRunsWithScissors]

That second thing you found with the cone thing on top, it’s an artillery shell top for a US one which were much longer that is why it’s hallow

[@VintageCarsandCycles]

@10:36 i believe that is part of a U.S M1 Carbine Magazine pouch

[@adaptshield3100]

love the videos dude

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

Geez, you are fast! :)

[@M.k.benson]

Great findings there:) could be awesome to go detecting with you sometime. Detecting my self but could be nice to team up with you. You actually inspired me to starting with this:) At this very moment I’m in holland and dig a few places. Keep up coming those great videos. Greetings from Denmark.

[@robotslug]

Hey Iron Mike, the shell you found just after the 1 minute mark in your video seems to be a 75G SHOT A.P.C. M61/A1 WITH TRACER due to the cavity in the back and the location of the banding around the body. I cant be too sure unless you decide to remove the oxidation, but at that point I think you'd be able to tell yourself. Cheers!

[@thurin84]

its the head of of a bazooka rocket.

[@hairycat6095]

i believe the item at10:38 is a snap that was on a pouch for the canteen. i had a surplus canteen in the 1960's that was in a canvas pouch with 2 snaps to close it and there should have been a wire like thing about as wide as the canteen to hold it onto a belt

[@1stcalvarydivisonmilitaria261]

Somewhat early model canteen due to the flat cap (maybe just old stock being used on a newer production 43 canteen) and seemingly a bakelite knife. Along with the mess tin. Very nice finds there.

[@ww2historyfinderl587]

Another Nice video and think the first unknown item is a head of bazooka rocket Keep on digging 👍🏻👍🏻

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

thanks buddy!

[@edwardreidt1230]

Great video love how you found the mess kit of a U.S. soldier

[@SevenSixTwo2012]

2:00 Those are .22LR and they did exist long before WWII as practice ammunition (for all militaries), so they could indeed be WWII vintage. The rust and discoloration indicate a long time in the ground.

[@troypetersen8885]

The 22 LR rounds may have gone to a handgun. I talked with an old timer who claimed he carried a 22 handgun during the war that his brother sent him. He used it to scrounge small game. Otherwise a small game hunter not related to the war, not sure the commonality of that type of thing over there.

[@dustineaton1827]

10:43 its goes to an ammo belt of some kind i have a ww2 surplus ammo belt the buttons are the same but all in tact

[@atlanticantiquesltd7372]

It is a snap for a canvas canteen pouch or a canvas mess kit pouch or a canvas ammo belt...

[@vekke77]

prachtige vondst dat setje van je zoek maat top video weer mike op naar de volgende zoekdag

[@johndoes2434]

The button you found is called a button post and is usually found on pistol magazine pouches and canteens since about a canteen is probably which like the canteen holder

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

A complete field mess kit set, Nice!

[@henkgol1]

The leather peace on 11:23 (the pocket knife holster) is a protective insert of a US shovel bag/holster. Sorry for my bad english. Nice video, ga zo door!!

[@soupdragon12345]

Wow nice find , cringed at the way he was going at the hole with the shovel, and using the brush on the canteen.

[@stocklee]

True, completely amateurish

[@fordwaters8335]

Like they'd dig a China cup with a D9 bulldozer

[@tokiboi6777]

terrible. also those kind of people get their arms blown off for being that clumsy

[@debspils1091]

soupdragon12345 .......let’s cut him a bit of slack,ok? He’s learning..and quickly! He’s got a GREAT mentor, guys!

[@lastmanstanding2622]

@@debspils1091 He can't be a mentor if he is still learning. Think about it. :-)

[@garydonnelly8337]

Can imagine the guy who owned this sitting here in the middle of a war, making coffee and something to eat.

[@thehistoryhotspot7783]

Hey Mike, the button you found is an equipment latch. It is usually found on the covers of canteens.

[@williamsoileau1802]

On mess kits, the top plate has the separated ridge the ring is where the handle slides through to connect and close the kit together

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

Hi William, thank you for all your comments. See that you've been binge watching the videos! ":)

[@williamsoileau1802]

@@IronMikeMetaldetecting Good morning Mike, talk about I'm hooked on your videos, great work indeed my friend, stay safe out there, wishing you all the very best.

[@rommelopa2354]

Hey Metalen Mike. T "pocket knife sheath" ding is in werkelijkheid een liner voor een vouwspade drager. Ook US spul. zorgde ervoor dat het blad niet door de drager ging(uiteraard) leuke vondsten! Grtz & Happy hunting.

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

bedank voor je comment opa!

[@30121965huey]

the projectile was from a 2.36 inch bazooka,the fragment in the very beginning was from a Nebelwerfer and the sheath is not a sheath it is the leather insert for the American entrenching tool carrying cover...

[@Hugofreddie]

The button you had is called a snap button . Still being made and used today . Was probably on a canvas strap that has gone

[@tedkreibich8584]

Great find. Although you didn't get the big find Mike you did a more than excellent taking the video... Thank you...

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

You’re welcome ;-)

[@modeyman101]

The object at 1:30 looks like the head to a bazooka rocket.

[@thurin84]

1:24 us the head off of a bazooka rocket. 2:08 is half of the buckle of a BAR belt. you can tell its from a BAR belt because how tall it is. 6:55 if you see a black bakelite handle its always a knife because the forks and spoons were stamped out of 1 piece of steel. only the messkit knives had a seperate molded handle either plastic (uncommon) or aluminium. 10:42 is a "lift the dot" snap found on almost any us web gear that had a flap or a pocket. they were introduced just prior to ww1 and in use through the korean war. 11:59 the other type of snap found on quite a bit of us military gear. one notable type of gear its found on are m1942 paratrooper jackets and pants. it makes a lot of sense to find these in the ardenes. man, i wish i could find some of those nescafe and lemon powder packets over here (usa).

[@joelfleming67]

Dang, That mess kit looks to be in good nick

[@AnecdotalPoet]

First thing you found I believe is a Ally tank round

[@melvinbullock3392]

That or a Mortar round

[@mentorron988]

those little bullet all were 22 rifles us bullets and that was a that bullet you found was a tank bullet from the US also

[@Lucas_Tulic]

Man!! Watching that dude with the shovel is like watching a paleontologist trying to take out the dirt off a fossil hitting it with a sledge hammer!

[@MerAngel12121]

Iron Mike, Great hunt! Loved the hatchet head. If you want to remove the rust, so it doesn't erode or eat away at the metal anymore, simply throw it in a bucket with (vinegar and molasses), to soak for a few weeks. Type into KZbin "Cleaning Rust Relics" and several different channels are listed, with a variety of cleaning methods, including vinegar and molasses. After a few days, the rust is coming off in chunks. Pete from Mountain Bouncer channel on KZbin sent my husband and I some of his found relics from Northern California and I've got them soaking now. It's fun to renew them for use again, if possible. The metal snap looked like the snap from an old canteen I once acquired from an estate sale or something. So I typed into google search "WW2 US Army Canteen Cover", and that took me to eBay sales of Army canteens and there is one that is selling for seventeen dollars - Buy it Now, that is a duplicate snap of the one you found. The knife holder one of the guys found was called a "Knife Sheath"

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

Thanks for the tip! Will try vinegar!

[@JIGgameoverSAW]

Awesome find! Something like that you won't find that often anymore :)

[@dfcpuk]

worst archaeologist ever going at that mess tin with that shovel like that

[@lordscott7552]

those lunch containers were in surprisingly good shape!

[@dtnetlurker]

Lord Scott Yes made of pressed aluminum. Pretty nice for the time. US soldiers had it good. Still do.

[@Sonofaguninmo]

The button is a snap buckle like those found on an ammo or clip pouch

[@mr.cheese818]

On the mess kit they found, threre is a year dated on it, on the bottom side of the mess kit, where the handle was there is a date carved into the metal in the middle, I collect mostly war antiques from wwi to Vietnam, so I have one of those mess kits, and mine says it’s from 1944. One of the guys stated that there should be a date carved into it somewhere

[@TntMooze]

Cutest german right here! Interesting channel have been enjoying for a while!

[@joeestes8114]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@butchnelson5472]

Pull the dot fastener for canteen carrier and other military equipment.

[@IronMikeMetaldetecting]

Don't forget to check Chris his video! (tell him Mike sent you, and you can watch it for free!!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGSxdaSld5uGgsk

[@uptrail7169]

Nice finds! The handle on the mess kit would have the date

[@mikegallegos7]

The mess kit was probably in a foxhole - think you should excavate wider area - foxhole size area - to try to find more ... often there were two men to a foxhole so, there can be more artifacts.

[@marylandoutdoorsman7269]

That axe head you found was older than ww2 maybe ww1 or before

[@karlchipak643]

that space on the bottom of the mess kit was where they places the knife spoon and fork. what you found was a basic filet mess kit

[@diggerdoug4733]

The black "button" is a snap like closer that was probably on canvas. They were common as an example, would have been on the flaps that held a canteen cover closed

[@debspils1091]

I think we both have misunderstood. I was chiding the person that was being rude to you. My comment was NOT directed at yu, it was directed at him, at the other commentator. Yep! Always friends, no animosity...period. Thanks for that! LOOVE your approach! And as far as a mentor, I was speaking generally not specifically.and not about Mke.

[@stopbeingsoweirdstill]

Thank you for sharing. Please be super careful, us yanks can be careless... ;)

[@rayfalcon777]

Last thing you found wasnt a button.. its a slug its flared on end and has lateral grooves hence the crimping of bullet to the casing and smaller ones are .22cal bullets but didnt think they had those in 1942 or 1943 during ww2