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Soldiers’ eating equipment, c. 1863 and Coffee boiler, c. 1863

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Soldiers’ eating equipment, c. 1863 and Coffee boiler, c. 1863

Civil War soldiers used light and easily-carried supplies to cook and eat their meals in. A soldier probably received this combination fork, knife, and spoon from his family after losing the separate eating utensils the military had issued him. Pots like this one had multiple uses. Soldiers could brew coffee in it and use it for cooking food.

Museum purchases, X. 1534.1990 and 1976.74.7ab