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WWII USQMC March 17, 1941 Gravy Boat White Thick Stoneware Marine Corp Rope Knot

This is an original U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) gravy boat, produced under official United States Quartermaster Corps (USQMC) contract during the early World War II period.

The underside is clearly and legibly marked:

U.S.Q.M.C.
W431-QM-4627
(O.I. 5205)
MAR. 17, 1941

These markings confirm authentic military procurement and provide detailed insight into its origin:

U.S.Q.M.C. denotes the United States Quartermaster Corps, the branch responsible for supplying mess halls and dining facilities for U.S. armed forces.
W431 identifies the wartime Quartermaster contract series, grouping this item within a specific WWII-era procurement program.
QM-4627 is the individual contract or item sequence number, used for tracking, inventory, and reorders within the Quartermaster system.
(O.I. 5205) refers to the approved Order Item specification, ensuring standardized form and function across military suppliers.
The stamped date March 17, 1941 documents pre-Pearl Harbor production, placing manufacture during the U.S. military buildup just prior to America’s entry into WWII.

The gravy boat features a classic utilitarian military form with heavy ceramic construction, pedestal base, integrated handle, and pouring spout. A subtle raised rope-knot decorative detail appears near the handle — a motif commonly associated with military and nautical service ware, reinforcing its connection to Marine Corps dining use.

This piece would have been used in military mess halls or institutional dining facilities, making it an excellent example of authentic WWII-era USMC service ware.

Item: Gravy boat / sauce boat
Military Branch: U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)
Procurement: United States Quartermaster Corps (USQMC)
Date: March 17, 1941
Era: World War II (pre-Pearl Harbor)
Material: Glazed ceramic
Color: White / off-white
Decorative Detail: Raised rope-knot motif near handle

Approximate Measurements -

Height - 4 1/4 inches
Length - 9 3/4 inches
Width - 3 3/8 inches

Condition -

Excellent vintage condition - no chips, cracks or crazing. Structurally solid and thick restaurant ware - Great for practical use or also displays well.