Reproduction Military Rations

[ChowLine]

Hello guys

I have been a lurker for around two years now, made an account several months ago and am now getting around to making an actual introductory post. One of the things I do on the side is make replica U.S. military ration components from the Punitive expedition, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam. I produce these for museums as well as collectors and reenactors alike. I am always on the lookout for original examples to add to the collection and also use as reference for reproducing the various components found in rations. I will soon be launching a youtube channel which will showcase these reproductions as well as discuss how to actually prepare things like WWI Trench Rations or WWII C/ K rations in the field and produce a hearty meal from meager components.

I have included a couple photos of some items I reproduced from WWI, WWII and Vietnam as well as a link to my facebook page where I post the stuff I make regularly.

The ChowLine
https://www.facebook.com/TheChowLine

I look forward to in some way being able to contribute to this community.

[ChowLine]

A few more

[Eistee]

Wow, that is really cool.
Props to you man.

[ChowLine]

Thank you, its fun to research and then design the containers and the markings for all of these rations. Some reenactors who buy this stuff want them filled with edible components so I even have to track down suitably packed store bought food similar to what originally would have been in them which can be placed inside my replica rations without modifying the factory packaging.

[[ex-Member1]]

Welcome. You have some nice skills, tools and knowledge. I don't even want to ask how many hours went into the research lol.

But why only US?

[ChowLine]

Countless hours of research at this point have gone into these rations lol

As for me only reproducing US rations, in all honesty its easier to find US stuff here int he states than foreign ration items. I prefer to handle originals when possible to make my replicas from, and getting a WWI british ration can, or a WWII German ration crate is next to impossible without paying out the nose for it....if you can find it that is.

[elandil]

mad props. I'll be watching your site a lot in the future...

[[ex-Member1]]

As for me only reproducing US rations, in all honesty its easier to find US stuff here int he states than foreign ration items. I prefer to handle originals when possible to make my replicas from, and getting a WWI british ration can, or a WWII German ration crate is next to impossible without paying out the nose for it....if you can find it that is.

I believe you know about Atlas from Holland? I don't think he checks original before making the repro (just yesterday I've sent him vol2 addition to his vol1 german rations book), but I respect your style. Too bad that makes you limited. Again, nice to have you here... this stuff and dedication is always remarkable.

[ChowLine]

If someone has a special request for a ration item that is not US, and can provide me with a starting point like dimensions of the containers and some basic photos, I will gladly attempt a reproduction of it for them as a "special order" item.