Civil War hand-carved wooden “Knuckles”, as in book (SOLD)

This is one of those unique pieces that rarely show up, the only other one I came across is in my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal items” (see pictures). They measure about 4 ½” x 2 ½” and were carved from a single piece of wood.

Whittling did not become a prevalent hobby in the United States until the Civil War began, when soldiers with skilled hands and idle hours whittled to pass the time. It became a popular diversion that enlisted men, officers, and even General Ulysses S. Grant partook.

Most soldiers carried folding pocket knives and in turn became proficient whittlers. There is a possibility that it was whittled by a soldier or even a POW to pass the time. They turned wood into walking sticks, figurines, sculptures, smoking pipes, fans, whistles, etc. After the war many of the veterans continued their leisure pursuit. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.