U.S. ARMY “KITCHEN, MOBILE” FIELD TRAILER

R & D Labs, Jeffersonville, Indiana, c. 1944-50s. Riveted steel body on twin axles with solid disc wheels; draw-bar with lunette eye for pintle towing; stenciled “KITCHEN, MOBILE” and “R & D LABS / JEFFERSONVILLE, IND.”, unit number RDJ-623 and US to the chassis. Detachable glazing to upper window bays with a canvas/weatherproof roof and roll-down side curtains; rear double doors opening to a fold-down stair. The interior arranged as a compact galley with continuous work surfaces, under-counter storage, shelves, and three large insulated food containers/issuing chests to the forward bulkhead. Retains numerous original fittings and hardware. Overall approx. 43 x 24 x 29 3/4 in.

Designed to move with maneuver units and feed troops close to the line of march, U.S. “mobile kitchen” trailers of this period were purpose-built for high-volume preparation and distribution of hot rations. Produced by contractors such as R & D Labs during the closing years of the Second World War and into the early Cold War, they were common sights in stateside training camps, overseas depots, and on post-war relief and occupation duty. Survivors in complete, largely unaltered condition are decidedly uncommon, most having been stripped for parts or converted to civilian use.

Note: Owing to its size and weight, special handling and crating or pick-up by a third-party will be required.  

[Spanish American War, Span Am, World War One, World War 1, WW1, World War Two, World War II, WW2]