The American Knife Company started in business in Plymouth, Ct., in 1849. This is a combination mess set of popular wartime form. The body, with wood sides, slides apart, one side forming a separate jack knife and the other holding a two-tine fork and alloy spoon (soft metals were necessary in forming the bowl.) Their company name is stamped at the base of the knife blade. The company sometimes included other implements in their combination knives. We know of one that features a folding ruler. In this case they added a second, small notched blade to the knife section. It might do in a pinch to open a can of food, another recent innovation, that was purchased from a sutler or sent from home.

Civil War soldiers obtained their mess gear from their state or federal recruiting service, but inventors and peddlers offered alternatives like this for private purchase by soldiers or by their well-wishers as parting gifts. We sometimes see them proudly displayed in photos for the folks back home. These sets often turn up missing one part or the other. This is complete. The markings are good. There are minor handling marks to the wood and some light graying and shallow corrosion to the metal but no rust or nicks. One of the wood panels has a period, carved set of initials, “J.W.M..” likely those of a new owner to prevent another soldier from walking off with it.

This would display nicely with a canteen, cup, and the contents of a typical soldier’s haversack. [sr]

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