WW I Khaki Canvas Mess Tin (Top/Lid portion) There is no List of Changes entry to introduce for this Mess tin, because the design dates back to the Napoleonic era, before the List of Changes began. Originally, this type consisted of three tinned steel pieces: the bottom, which served as a billie, the top, which with its folding handle was used as a fry pan, and the inner tray, which made a plate of sorts. In 1914, the inner tray was eliminated, and almost all U.K. made examples made after this consisted of the two outer parts only. In Canada, though, some manufacturers continued to make three part tins thoughout the Great War. This mess tin pattern continued in service until about 1938.