Eßbesteck (Spork/Easting Utensil)

German Soldaten were each issued with an Eßbesteck, a combination folding spoon/fork — commonly referred in english as a Spork — a combination of the words spoon and fork. Ironically, this item is also called a Göffel by the Germans — a combination of the words Gabel (fork) and Löffel (Spoon).

Original Eßbesteck

The Eßbesteck was constructed from tin-plated steel and there were two different patterns, one for mounted troops and one for dismounted troops. The dismounted/infantry model was longer and the spoon portion had a small downward bend that allowed the Eßbesteck to snap into the top of the infantry pattern Kochsgeschirr. Mounted troops carried a larger Kochsgeschirr, so the Eßbesteck for mounted troops was shorter and designed to be carried in the Brotbeutel or pockets.

Eßbesteck as stored in the Kochsgeschirr

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