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MODEL 1879 WHITMAN
SADDLE BAGS BELLY STRAP – A SCARCE PIECE TO COMPLETE A
SET OF THESE KEY SADDLE BAGS:
The Model 1879 Whitman Saddlebags were introduced with
the other Horse Equipments recommended by the Cavalry
Board of 1879. While the saddles apparently were not
made or issued in any great numbers, these unique saddle
bags gained a substantial acceptance in the field, and
were not only used with the Whitman saddles, but with
the McClellan Saddles - Models 1874 and 1885 - available
in the field at the same time, as evidenced by known
period photographs.
The Model 1879 Saddle
Bags incorporated a belly strap, developed specifically
for the bags. As the bags passed from use in the field
and into the surplus market, these straps became
separated from the bags. They were a utilitarian strap
in their own right, and no doubt they were put a wide
variety of uses beyond their original design, and now
have become difficult to find to restore to a set of
saddle bags.
This Model 1879 Saddle
Bag Belly Strap is full length in the body, is complete
with both brass buckles and leather keepers, and the
billets are present, and are full length with no tearing
or wear. The leather is strong with no weak points, and
it retains an overall smooth shiny surface with only
minor flexing. The body of the strap and one of the
billets are stamped with arsenal piece worker and
inspector’s initials.
Seldom found on the
loose, this belly strap will certainly add to the value
of a set of saddlebags. (0212) $225
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