Surplus field feeding equipment on eBay

I occasionally receive email or comments that ask where the sender can locate U.S. Army surplus field feeding equipment. Since I joined eBay 10 years ago, I've always found that the on-line auction site to a good source of these items.

I found three interesting military food service equipment items while searching for an unrelated auction. I've purchased items from the seller, Coleman Military Surplus, LLC, 360 Klinger Road, Millersburg, Pennsylvania, 17061 (1-888-4-SURPLUS).

These items are pricey. The steamtable and griddle assemblies start at $399 each (with a $425 Buy it Now feature). The tent will set you back $795 (with $850 Buy it Now). And you have to drive to Millersburg, Pennsylvania, to pick up your winning bid. The seller has indicated that he won't ship.

The first two items carry the same description. I can't tell from the item description which burner unit is included with the bid, whether it's the M2A or the MBU. You'll have to contact the seller to answer that question.

Part of the MFK (Modular Field Kitchen) issued to all hospital units except the MASH. Designed to feed up to 250 people. Unit measures 54" x 24. Holds four 19" x 11" x 4" steaming trays(included) with lids. With the supplied base the top sits 36" off the floor. Two burner assemblies included that are currently set up to run off of gasoline, but can be converted to use propane.

Griddle Assembly

Steam Table Assembly

The third item is an M-1948 kitchen tent, which is a bear to set up. These tents were designed in the wake of World War II to shelter a company-sized field mess. The cooks could fit three M-1937 field ranges under the "stack" in the back of the tent.

M-1948 Kitchen Tent









Here's the description:

You are bidding on the complete kit for a M-1948 Military Issue Kitchen Tent. Brand new, originally designed for use as field kitchens. Everything is included in the crate including tent, poles and stakes. Tent is constructed with a raised roof section to dissipate heat from cooking. Makes an excellent camping tent because sidewalls of canvas may be rolled up, or raised outward to create a canopy while the screening protects occupants from insects! Outfitters, emergency units, festival promoters, whoever needs a great tent at a great price, this is a great deal! Overall dimensions 18 ft. long x 12 ft wide. Height at rear 12 ft., sides at rear 9 ft. Height at front 9 ft., sides at front 6 ft. Made of Olive Drab Cotton Duck fabric. This item cannot be shipped UPS. Please call or email for shipping quote. Crate size 28 1/2"H x 47 1/2"W x 97" L. Weight 670 lbs. US Government surplus.