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MODEL 1912 GUIDON CARRIER – SCARCE MODEL 1912
SADDLE ACCESSORY IN EXCELLENT CONDITION: One of
the unique pieces of equipment which were introduced
with Model 1912 Trial Horse Equipments, this Model 1912
Guidon and Standard Carrier is one of the scarcest of
those equipments, surviving in very low numbers,
Manufactured in far smaller numbers than the more common
Model 1904 Guidon Sockets, not only were there fewer of
the Model 1912 Guidon Carriers produced, but they were
functional pieces of equipment, and many of those which
survived the original issues were no doubt issued to
mounted units for as long as the supply lasted, the
majority being consumed in the waning years of the horse
cavalry.
The slightly conical shaped socket is suspended from a
two piece leather strap which is fitted with a bronze
buckle for adjusting the length. The Guidon Carrier was
attached to the pommel of the saddle, probably with the
strap fed through the forward girth strap loop on either
side of the saddle. Unlike the Model 1904 Guidon
Stirrup, the Model 1912 Guidon Carrier would be far
easier to move from one side of the saddle to the other
in order to rest the soldier’s arm that supported the
guidon lance – certainly a benefit to the soldier on a
long patrol.
Even though I am currently able to
offer two specimens of these Model 1912 Guidon Carriers
at this time, they are indeed a scarce piece of the
Model 1912 Horse Equipments. I never cease to be amazed
at how the collecting world moves through time – it has
been decades since the last time I saw one of these
offered on the open market, and then within a two week
period I was able to acquire these two from separate
sources. Certainly odd, but this happenstance provides
you with an opportunity to add one of these to your
collection.
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NO. 1 MODEL 1912 GUIDON CARRIER –
EXCELLENT CONDITION: In excellent condition,
this Guidon Carrier shows little evidence of use and
presents in a medium brown russet color. The socket is
full form, all of the stitching is intact, and the
carrying strap is full length and complete with the
buckle and keeper. The leather remains supple, and the
surfaces are bright and smooth with no crazing or
flaking. The front fold of the socket is very legibly
stamped “R.I.A.”, indicating it was manufactured at the
Rock Island Arsenal, dated 1918, and bears the
inspector’s initials below the date. (0401) $450
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NO. 2
MODEL 1912 GUIDON CARRIER – VERY GOOD CONDITION:
In very good condition, this Guidon Carrier shows some
minor evidence of use and presents in a medium brown
russet color. The socket is full form, all of the
stitching is intact, and the carrying strap is full
length and complete with the buckle and keeper. The
leather remains supple. The surface of the socket shows
some minor crazing, but is generally overall smooth.
The strap surfaces likewise have some crazing, but
nothing which weakens or detracts from the strap. The
front fold of the socket still retains a light, but
legible “R.I.A.” stamp, indicating it was manufactured
at the Rock Island Arsenal. The date and inspector’s
initials are not as pronounced, but you can still make
out the outlines of those two stamps. Overall, given
the scarcity of these Guidon Carriers, this is a very
respectable specimen. (0422) $375
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