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MODEL 1896
McCLELLAN CAVALRY SADDLE –VERY NICE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR
ERA SPECIMEN: This is a very nice example of
the relatively scarce Spanish American War era Model
1896 McClellan Saddle, the last of the “black leather
McClellans”. Introduced on the eve of the War with
Spain, the Model 1896 McClellan is readily associated by
collectors with our first imperial war.
Known to have been manufactured at the Rock Island and
San Antonio Arsenals, as well as by at least one
civilian contractor, the Model 1896 McClellans were
produced in black leather for only some 6 or 7 years, at
which point the army changed to using russet leather.
This relatively short production period coupled with
hard service in tropical climates during the Spanish
American War, accounts for a relatively low rate of
survival of this saddle in collections today.
This specimen, although showing the expected evidence of
use, has survived in very nice condition. The leather
on the seat has some crazing, but is generally smooth
with a nice shiny surface. The seams are intact with
the exception of a 1 ½” long section that has opened on
the inside seam of the left sidebar which is not visible
when the saddle is on display and does not effect the
integrity of the seat. The leather that covers the
front and rear extensions of the sidebars that extend
beyond the pommel and cantle respectively is smooth and
intact. The proper quarterstraps are all intact and
unbroken, connecting at the full form safes on both
sides. All of the brass hardware to include the coat
strap mortise plates, foot loops, staples and rings are
present and intact. The stirrups are both full form,
have complete solid leather hoods, and full form
unbroken wooden frames. Although the stirrups show
evidence of use, they both feature a legible “US”
embossed on the front center.
Overall this is a very nice and complete specimen of the
Model 1896 McClellan Saddle, certainly one of the better
examples I’ve seen offered on the recent market, and one
that is seldom found in American Military saddle
collections. $1,850
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