WW1 Canadian CEF Officers Private Purchase Mess Knife and Fork Set

The WW1 Canadian CEF Officers Private Purchase Mess Knife and Fork Set is an original dining utensil ensemble from the period of the First World War. Such sets were commonly acquired at the officer’s own expense and used in mess halls or field environments. This example consists of a matching knife and fork, each crafted from metal with handles typically made of bone or a similar durable material. The utensils are designed for portability and personal hygiene, reflecting the standards often maintained by Canadian Expeditionary Force officers during wartime. Blade and handle markings, where present, may include maker’s stamps or initials, sometimes accompanied by proofs or regimental identifiers, though not universally applied. Private purchase items of this kind were tailored to meet individual preferences, differing from standard-issue cutlery. This set provides a representative artifact of daily officers’ equipment, illustrating the practical needs and private expenditure of CEF personnel during WW1.