Civil War Soldiers Copper Skillet (SOLD,WA)

This is another nice item being offered, it is a hand-forged Civil War soldier’s mess skillet. The bowl section is made of hammered copper around a circular iron rod. The handle is fashioned from flattened iron with an additional piece added for strength. The blacksmith ended the iron handle with a typical “rat’s tail” which was then hammered over. The overall size is 25” with the round pan having a diameter of 10”.

Overall this piece is in very solid condition with a beautiful aged patina. As expected, it shows all the signs of use but definitely not abused. Everything is tight with no rattling at all – a fantastic piece and extremely hard to find in this condition. This size would be typical of a “mess” – two or three soldiers who would could together. This would go great as part of a camp scene or personal effects. In my latest book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I discuss in more detail about the soldiers cooking and eating habits.