Civil War Slotted Knife / Utensil VERY RARE Geo. Kay of Esopus, NY

  

This is a very rare knife and utensil combination used during the Civil War. The knife maker is George Kay who operated a cutlery in Esopus, New York from 1860 - 1882.

He moved to Warren, NY in 1882. George Kay was given a patent for an innovation in a folding pocket knife. Some say that he invented the "slotted" or "hobo" knife of which this is an example, but I was not able to verify this claim. Some say that Kay made these knives for use by the Union Army. This knife is in very good condition.

I have not cleaned it. I have chosen not to separate the two halves for fear of doing further damage. Other than cleaning the identifying mark, I have done nothing further. It is in "as found" condition.

The two pictures with a reddish-brown background are NOT of my knife. I have provided them to illustrate what this knife would look like when separated.

I came into possession of this knife when I found it in a box containing additional items, among which was a bracelet made of strung, hollow, brass beads. There was a undated note from an heir stating that it was popular for soldiers to wear such bracelets as reminders of their family they left behind. Apparently, both items were used by the same Union soldier. If you have questions, please ask.

The item "Civil War Slotted Knife / Utensil VERY RARE Geo. Kay of Esopus, NY" is in sale since Thursday, March 26, 2020. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Other Civil War Original Items". The seller is "rustyhalo" and is located in Auburn, Indiana. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States