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MODEL 1885 US ARMY BARRACKS BEDDING BLANKET – IN
VERY GOOD CONDITION: This Indian War era M1885
Bedding Blanket, as described in the Quartermaster
Regulations, January 9, 1885, features the correct blue
wool body.
The blanket measures 78” long and 60” wide, with 2.5”
wide dark blue stripes approximately 4” from each end.
These measurements are very close to the original
dimensions and well within the range of shrinkage
normally encountered in these blankets as caused by the
aging of the wool and repeated washings through the
years.
Overall in very good condition,
the blanket has several noticeable, but small moth nips
as shown in the photo below, but these do not affect the
integrity of the weave nor do they detract from the
quality of the blanket on display. When originally
issued, these blankets had a “U.S.” stenciled with ink
or paint in the center of the blanket, but as with this
specimen, this marking soon wore away with use and
cleaning and is seldom found intact. There is a numeral
“83” stitched into one end of the blanket, perhaps a
unit or soldier applied identifier.
As you can imagine, these blankets
did not survive in great numbers due to the hard use
they experienced in service and as they passed on as
surplus to the multitude of post-army agencies,
charities and retail stores they were simply used up
with little to no regard for their historical value.
This blanket is a scarce piece of Indian War soldier’s
equipment, particularly in this condition and it will
certainly add to your collection, displayed with a
soldier’s field kit, on a Model 1872 Barracks Bed, or
rolled up on the cantle of an Indian War saddle. (0406)
$595
NOTE: THE LIGHT STREAKS SHOWING ON THE BLANKET IN
THE PHOTOGRAPHS ARE RAYS OF SUNLIGHT SHINING ON THE
BLANKET AND NOT FADING, BLEACHED AREAS, OR DISCOLORATION
IN THE MATERIAL.
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