CIVIL WAR “STAR PATTERN” STIRRUPS – STRONG
ASSOCIATION WITH CONFEDERATE FORCES FROM TEXAS AND
MISSISSIPPI - EXCELLENT MATCHED PAIR: These
iron stirrups, dating from the mid-19th
Century, have been long associated with a style used by
Confederate mounted forces during the Civil War.
Believed to have been related to the Southern soldiers
from Texas or Mississippi, the distinctive cutout star
design featured in the tread of stirrups certainly
suggests use in a military context.
I recently had the opportunity to view a collection of
artifacts that were excavated from a Civil War campsite
in Georgia and the owner had documented that the
location was occupied by Texas units during the War.
The collection included one of these stirrups identical
to the style of the pair offered here, as well as the
side bar from a bridle bit, and several artillery
implements – all made of iron and all featuring the same
star cut out design. This collection of relics,
particularly the single stirrup, adds to the connection
of this style of stirrup with the Confederacy.
Measuring 3 ¾” high and 3 ½” wide, this pair shows
identical wear and aging and was surely used as a
matched set on the same saddle. The tread features the
star shaped cut out surrounded by a wide circle. The
upper surface of the tread has a hand applied pattern of
stippling. Full form, with no damage or excessive wear,
both stirrups have a nice naturally aged patina.
These “Star Pattern” Iron Stirrups are quite rare and
one of the iconic pieces of horse equipment associated
with the Confederate cavalry, and this pair would make a
fine addition to complete a saddle of the period.
(0725) $1275
|