GETT 29113
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Whittling is an age-old pastime. Skilled hands and idle hours often resulted in surprising displays of what has come to be known as 'soldier art.'

The American habit of whittling was commented on by European and British observers. Everybody whittled, from the commanding officers including General Grant, on down to the enlisted men.

Photograph

GETT 29113 Button - GETT 28099 GETT 28267 Carving - GETT 6992
Knife - Gettysburg National Military Park
Shield - 4079 Ring - GETT 5239
Badges - GETT

Civil War soldiers left abundant evidence of time spent with their pocket knives.

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