Mysterious MRE Box...super early version?

[Capa]

UPDATE:
I sent a photo of the MRE to the folks at NATICK and they replied with a date of between 1965-1970 confirming that it is a prototype.

I appreciate your interest. I am not sure what I want to do with it at the moment to be honest. If I decide to sell, I will let you all here know when and how. If I keep it, once you get your museum up and running I would be open to the idea of a loan.
Looks like a cool museum for sure!
Cheers,
Capa

[cavguy]

1965-1970

Interesting dates! I seems your MRE is the only one I have ever seen possibly dated pre. 1970.

[Capa]

Here's the email I received:

I would date that between 1965- 1970. Take a look at the early ration books that are on the Combat Feeding website: http://hotchow.natick.army.mil/history/index.htm and the other historical information that is provided.
Page 30 of the 1960 Operational ration pamphlet, under future feeding talks about the MRE-Individual. Also click on the presentation on the history of combat rations and you will find the following:

The Start of the MRE:
1956: requirement established
1961: DA approval
1970: first prototype
1972: requirement revalidated.

Reagrds (SIC)

[Capa]

Here's a video I made of the MRE opening. Hope you find it interesting.
Cheers!

[Capa]

Hello everyone,
I've decided to part with my experimental MRE. As promised, I am letting you all know here first. I'll make the announcement here inside my post, then move it over to the for sale page soon. I have not opened it again since the first time (when I shot the video) so it has not been handled. The tape on the closure was not cut, I was able to work it loose and keep it in place. I repacked it as I found it.
Thanks!