CONFEDERATE MESS KNIFE

As shown in Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia, page 170. 9 1/4" length with spatulate blade retaining most of its zinc (tin) plating. the left side marked PARIS, but no maker’s name as that same maker would have been selling to the North.  Two piece bone scale grips. Great age character with inked museum/collection number. Ex: Indian Ridge Museum, Elyria Ohio. While officially neutral to the Civil War, Napoleon III was sympathetic and viewed it as an opportunity to expand French control in Mexico. French merchants supplied items such as this which were run through Union blockades.