This is a very good example of a popular pattern of combination mess gear privately purchased by soldiers or given to them by well-wishers. They are even occasionally displayed in Civil War photographs, likely to show the folks back home a gift had arrived or that they were now equipped with the latest invention to make camp life and campaigning easier.

Made in two sections, the wood body slides apart, one side forming a separate jack knife and the other holding a two-tine fork and alloy spoon. This one is stamped “Union / Knife Co. / Naugatuck” on the base of the knife, partially hidden by the handle, and “Union / Army Knife,” on the base of the fork. Since the knife had a practical use on its own, these sets often turn up missing one part or the other. This one is complete and the markings are clear.

Mess gear was essential to every Civil War soldier, as necessary as a weapon and more often used and is a broad collecting field with lots of variety. It was issued to new soldiers by state, and later federal, recruiting services, but varied in design and quality. Entrepreneurs offered combination mess sets like this that were more convenient to carry and with the added attraction of owning a new gadget.

These display nicely with canteens, cups and other mess gear that was as essential to a soldier as his rifle musket.  [jet][ph:L]

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