"Joseph Davis/ Adjt./ 30th Regt/ Mass. Vet. Vol./ Infantry" is the Neatly Scratched Block Letter ID on the Front of the Britannia Ware Cup, Which also Serves as a Cover of this Civil War Utensil/ Mess Kit.

On the back of the cup is scratched "Lieut. Joseph Davis/ Mississippi/ Louisiana/ Maryland/ Virginia". Inside is a fitted cork holder that sits in the Britannia ware base of the kit, with spoon, folding fork, on which is also scratched Davis' name, folding bone handled knife and wooden condiment container. There is one chip on the handle of the knife otherwise all pieces in excellent condition. Nice deep dark untouched patina on the Britannia ware.

Joseph Davis was a 20 year old resident of Medford, MA when he enlisted on 4/16/61 as a private. On 5/1/61 he mustered into Co. E, 5th Massachusetts Infantry. Mustered out on 7/31/61 at Boston, MA. Re-enlisted 1/4/62 and mustered into Field & Staff, 30th Massachusetts Infantry as a Hospital Steward. On 8/21/62 he was promoted to 2nd Lt, Co. E, 30th Mass. On 10/22/63 he was promoted to 1st Lieut. & Adjutant, Field & Staff, 30th Mass. Discharged for disability on 2/12/65.

He served with the 5th Mass. at 1st Bull Run. The 30th Mass. lost 61 men killed and mortally wounded during Davis' term of service. Accompanied by a complete set of records. Unique set with nice period ID. Ex - John Henry Kurtz collection.