TYPE 1 BOXES
Type 1 boxes can be identified by the lack of menu numbers. Only the sleeve had the label with the menu number stamped on one end.
After complaints it was directed that rations still in stock have the menu number (hand) stamped on the front of the main carton and at the opposite blank end of the sleeve.
The main cartons and sleeves are made from 2.5 mm thick solid cardboard that has a kraft paper outer layer on both sides. The 2nd Half boxes are made from 2 mm thick solid cardboard with kraft paper outer layers. The 1st Half boxes are made from B-flute (3 mm) corrugated cardboard. All the connecting strips of the solid cardboard boxes are secured with metal staples. The corner of the 1st Half is secured with 2” wide fabric tape.
The liner of the 1st Half is the early 3-piece corrugated cardboard version.
Waxed Arsenal box with corrugated cardboard liner.
Your choice of the menu number will be hand stamped on the sleeve, and, if preferred, also on the face of the main carton and opposite end of the sleeve.
American Chicle Company - type 1
General Foods Corporation - type 1
The compliance stamp is on the bottom of the sleeve.
Wm Wrigley Jr. Company - type 1
Jewel Tea Company Inc. - type 1
TYPE 2 BOXES
Type 2 boxes can be easy identified by the large MENU plus their respective menu numbers. This is repeated on both ends of the sleeves.
The liner of the 1st Half is the later 1-piece solid cardboard version.
Waxed Arsenal box with solid cardboard liner.
Some of the contractors had the month of production already printed on the main carton while others hand stamped this.
American Chicle Company - type 2
This version of the Type 2 box has the erroneous thin MENU on the front and was only used until March 1944, after that date the letters were of the correct thickness. So, this version is only correct with the 1st Generation.
Your choice of menu number will be hand stamped.
I decided to go with the quirky thin MENU for fun and to offer some variety in the designs.
This set can only be used with the 1st generation menus.
General Foods Corporation - type 2
General Foods Corp. was an exception in that they placed the compliance stamp on the bottom of the sleeve and on the back of the main carton.
Your choice of menu number will be hand stamped.
Wm Wrigley Jr. Company - type 2
The Wm Wrigley Jr. Company pre-printed their boxes with the production dates and I have decided on a random month with each menu number. This date will also determine which generation the menu sets will be.
Menu #1 - February (1st generation)
Menu #2 - June (2nd generation)
Menu #3 - July (2nd generation)
Menu #4 - May (2nd generation)
Menu #5 - April (2nd generation)
For example Menu #3 is shown here. All five menus are available.
Jewel Tea Company Inc. - type 2
The Jewel Tea Company pre-printed their boxes with the production dates and I have decided on a random month with each menu number. This date will also determine which generation the menu sets will be.
Menu #1 - June (2nd generation)
Menu #2 - April (2nd generation)
Menu #3 - January (1st generation)
Menu #4 - March (1st/2nd generation*)
Menu #5 - February (1st generation)
*The specifications of the second generation were issued on 6 March 1944 and production could already have started that month. So, both options are possible.
For example Menu #2 is hown here. All five menus are available.