Antique Post Civil War US Military Mess Kit/Hall Knife- Dated 1882

Description

For auction is a knife that was produced for use by the US military following the Civil War but prior to World War I. The knife is stamped US on the blade and carries a patent date of 1882. The blade is in good shape but a 1” piece of the rim on the handle is missing. I believe it was produced by the Rock Island Armory. I don't know whether it was issued as part of a mess kit or whether it was used in mess halls but it certainly precedes the mess gear used in World war I and later. It is 9" long. I believe it to be pretty rare.