WW2 US Wood Alcohol Hotel Research Laboratories Field Ration Tin With Contents

The WW2 US Wood Alcohol Hotel Research Laboratories Field Ration Tin with Contents is an original field-issued item from the World War II era. Manufactured by Hotel Research Laboratories, this tin was designed to contain wood alcohol, commonly used as fuel for heating field rations and operating portable stoves. The container is constructed of metal with a screw-top lid, and is marked with the manufacturer’s information and usage instructions. The tin’s compact, rugged design ensured portability and durability during field operations. This example retains its original contents, offering an intact representation of wartime supply practices. Such tins formed a standard component in rations supplied to US military personnel, reflecting the logistical efforts to provide soldiers with sustained access to heated meals and essential equipment. The preserved state provides valuable insight into the materials, packaging, and resourcefulness characteristic of mid-20th-century military provisioning. This artifact is relevant for collectors and researchers interested in WWII field gear and ration systems.