A bayonet with the blade bent into a hook was a simple and serviceable way to get a camp kettle or coffee pot off a blazing campfire or out of the fireplace in the hut of a winter camp. Needless to say, officers and sergeants would hardly approve of a soldier altering an issue bayonet, but using an unsalvageable, battle-damaged bayonet could not meet objection and this one shows damage to the socket which made it a prime candidate.

This comes from the collections of the Texas Civil War Museum and would make a good addition to display of Civil War camp and mess gear, showing how soldiers improvised and made-do. The condition is as shown: excavated, brown in color with rust and pitting, but full-length, with locking ring and even the point intact, and a rather graceful reverse curve to the blade- a nice, artistic touch by an army blacksmith who was likely paid a few cents to do it.  [sr] [ph:L]

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