The motto of the United States Army Medical Department is Experienta et Progressus (experience and progress)  - a declaration of the department's forward movement on the medical front since the 1700s. 

{HISTORY}

First established in 1775, the role of the United States Army Medical Department was to provide medical service and attention for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. 250 years later, it is still going strong, caring for the medical welfare of American servicemen and women.

This US Army Medical Department gravy boat was made in California in the 1940s by Tepco (also known as the Technical Porcelain and Chinaware Company).   It features the emblem of the U. S. A. M. D. in dark red on the front side of the gravy boat. 

In operation from 1917-1968, TEPCO held contracts with the US government during the 1930s-1960s that supplied dishware not only to the Army but to the Navy and Veterans Affairs offices too.  This gravy boat was made during the World War II years, which marks an interesting period in time and makes us wish that we knew every story surrounding its tabletop service.

Did it bring a bit of home-cooked nostalgia to army medical teams during the holidays? Did it offer culinary comfort at the start of the war or help celebrate the end of it? Was it part of the fun and festivity of a star-studded USO tour? Was it a reminder of someone's kitchen service duties during a specific time in their military career?  Daydreaming is half the fun when it comes to collecting vintage restaurant ware, especially one that was made during such a volatile time in American history.

Hefty and utilitarian, as all vintage restaurant ware is, this vintage gravy boat is in wonderful shape - a true testament to the incredible durability of an eighty-year-old serving piece that saw the hustle and bustle of mess halls during a turbulent world war.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Red US Army Medical Department insignia

- Stamped on bottom with maker's mark

- Bright white

{CONDITION}

No chips or cracks. Very clean inside and out.

{SIZE}

Measures 9.25" inches (length spout to handle) x 2.5" inches (width) x 4.5" inches (height) and weighs 1.7 lbs.

{FOR THE LOVE OF RESTAURANT WARE}

Find more vintage restaurant ware pieces in the shop here.