CIVIL WAR MODEL 1859 McCLELLAN SADDLE DARK BLUE
WOOLEN GIRTH – EXCELLENT SPECIMEN:
This is a scarce offering
of an original Civil War period Model 1859 McClellan
Saddle Woolen Girth, this specimen is full length with
all the components present and intact. The standard
pattern girth as described in the 1861 Ordnance
Department regulations,
this particular girth is
identical to the Model 1859 Girth pictured in Figure 2,
page 234 of American Military Saddles, 1776-1945.
These woolen girths continued in use after the Civil War
until they were replaced by the Model 1872 Girths.
The standard pattern girth as described in the Ordnance
Department regulations, this girth is manufactured of
dark blue woolen webbing that still retains its even
original color. This is one of two basic color
variations that have been noted on these girths – this
dark blue and an indigo or medium blue. All of the
leather billets, keepers, the iron buckles and “D” ring
are present and intact, and the girth-billet loop is
sewn across the center of the girth.
The dark blue woolen webbing is in excellent condition,
full form with the exception of a small pull of the
material where the weave separated from the stitching
which anchors the leather safe supporting the buckle.
This area is stable, the stitching is not affected, and
there is only minimal impact to the appearance of the
girth. The underside of the woolen webbing has some
fading along one edge, perhaps an area where for some
reason the dye did not set in the material. The
integrity of this area is not affected and it is not
visible when the girth is displayed, showing the top
side as it appeared when buckled on the horse.
The leather components are all very strong and pliable
with only minor crazing in isolated spots on the leather
surfaces. The iron buckles and the “D” ring all freely
move. There is the faint outline of the maker's stamp
still visible on the face of the "D" ring safe.
The girth measuring 19 ½” long and 4 ½” wide, is full
length and retains its full form.
This is an excellent example of a particularly scarce
piece of Civil War Cavalry horse equipment. Difficult
to find in any condition and usually missing from most
collections, finding these early girths in this
condition is almost impossible. This girth would
certainly complement your Civil War or early Indian War
Cavalry saddle collection and would be difficult to
upgrade. (0818) $750
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