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ORIGINAL
U.S. ARMY SADDLE AND BRIDLE PARTS – MISCELLANEOUS
FITTINGS AND REPAIR PARTS:
On occasion, in the course of purchasing the saddles and
related horse equipment offered on this site, I acquire
various components of saddles, bridles and other
miscellaneous related horse equipment that do not warrant a
separate listing, but may be of some interest to
collectors. Some of these pieces have condition issues
and as I do with all of the listings, I will describe
them fairly, but please understand they are what they
are – spare parts.
NOTE:
All of these items are antique unless otherwise
noted. The leather is old, stressed and it IS NOT
warranted safe for use on a saddle that you intend to
ride. These pieces are offered here only for use
in the restoration of antique saddles and other horse
equipment which will be displayed only. On
occasion, I have reproduction saddle components come my
way and they will listed here, however the same caution
applies to these pieces - I have no idea where they came
from, who made them, or what quality of leather was used
to make them. DO NOT use any of these pieces -
antique or modern reproductions - to restore a saddle,
bridle, etc. that you intend to use on a horse.
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ORIGINAL
2ND PATTERN MODEL 1904 McCLELLAN SADDLE LOWER
QUARTERSTRAPS:
I have a small quantity of the lower, or “side”,
quarterstraps for the 2nd Pattern Model 1904
McClellan Saddle. These are the single strap that
attached the quarterstrap ring and safe to the pommel
and cantle quarter strap squares – one strap on each
side of the saddle. While the upper quarterstraps that
were permanently riveted to the saddle seat normally
survive intact, these lower quarterstraps are often
missing or broken, and finding original replacements in
any condition is almost impossible.
All of these straps have
been used, and in the course of being adjusted on the
saddle, the excess length was trimmed away - a common
practice to eliminate the unnecessary clutter on the
saddle – but they are still a full serviceable length -
nominally 51-52".
Each strap is complete with the proper bronze roller
buckle, fixed standing
loop and sliding loop. The leather is pliable without
any weak points and the straps are varying shades of
medium to dark brown; however the color can be altered
to match your saddle.
I have a very limited
supply of these and will do my best, within reason, to
help you match the color of the available selection of
straps to your saddle. $75 each.
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ORIGINAL
2ND PATTERN MODEL 1904 McCLELLAN SADDLE UPPER
QUARTERSTRAPS:
I have this one set of the upper quarterstraps for the 2nd Pattern Model 1904
McClellan Saddle. These are the single strap that
was attached to the pommel and cantle crest and which
are fitted on each end with the bronze quarter strap squares. While these upper quarterstraps
were permanently riveted to the saddle seat,
occasionally they are missing or the ends are broken
off, and finding original replacements in
any condition is almost impossible.
The
pommel strap was previously attached to a saddle, having
the imprint of the rivet burrs. While showing some
minor surface age, the strap is full length, very
supple, and would finish up nicely to match your saddle.
The cantle strap is old "new stock", never having been
mounted on a saddle and the sort of piece which would
have been supplied to the company saddler to affect
repairs on the unit's saddles. The surface of the
leather still retains the smooth, clean surface and has
a bright russet color. All four box rings are
intact and all the stitching and rivets are still
intact.
I have just this one
pair. A tough set to find on the loose. $150
for the set
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ORIGINAL McCLELLAN SADDLE AND OFFICER SADDLE STIRRUP
STRAPS – MATCHED PAIRS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION – RARE
OFFERING: To
view the sets of these straps which are currently
available, click on this link (STIRRUP
STRAPS)
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REPRODUCTION MODEL 1885 McCLELLAN SADDLE LARIAT STRAP
MADE WITH AN ORIGINAL SNAP: A well made
reproduction Model 1885 Lariat Strap which was made
using an original steel snap. The strap shows some
age and evidence of use that would well with an original
saddle, and would be correct displayed on the Model
1885, 1893 and 1896 McClellan Saddles.
(0216) $45
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MODEL 1879-1904 SADDLE BAG
PARTS - FLAPS, CLOSURE STRAPS, YOKE AND BUCKLES: Never
found on the loose anymore, these Model 1879 through
Model 1904 Saddle Bag parts are the type of thing that
used to be found in the inventories of dealers back in
the day. If you're trying to restore a set of
damaged bags, this limited supply will afford you the
opportunity to use original parts. Once
gone.......
NO. 1
M1879 - 1896 SADDLE BAG FLAP COMPLETE WITH ALL THREE
CLOSURE STRAPS: Salvaged from an original
bag with both rivet holes and all of the stitching holes
intact, this flap has a fully legible "US" and comes
with the three original full length closure straps.
Nice even black color with no edge wear or any other
damage or excess wear. This is the best of the
lot. (0818) $200
NO. 2
M1879 - 1896 SADDLE BAG FLAP: Salvaged
from an original bag with both rivet holes and all of
the stitching holes intact, this flap has a faint "US".
Nice even black color with no edge wear or any other
damage or excess wear. Good solid flap.
(0819) $150
NO. 3
M1879 - 1904 SADDLE BAG FLAP: Salvaged
from an original bag with both rivet holes and all of
the stitching holes intact, this flap has a fully
legible "US". The leather has a dark brown color
so it would work for Model 1904 Saddle Bags, or could be
dyed to match one of the earlier black leather models.
There is some edge wear at the top left corner as viewed
in the photograph below, but there is no other damage or
excess wear. A good solid flap. (0820)
$125
NO. 4
M1879 - 1896 SADDLE BAG FLAP STRAPS:
Salvaged from original bags in full length with all of
the stitching holes intact. Showing some aging,
but no edge wear or weak points. I have a very
limited number of these. (0821) $30 each
NO. 5
M1879 - 1904 SADDLE BAG FLAP STRAP BUCKLE WITH
ORIGINAL BILLET: Salvaged from original
bags in full length with all of the stitching holes
intact. No weak points and with the standing loop
intact. (0822) $30
NO. 6
M1879 - 1904 SADDLE BAG FLAP STRAP BUCKLES:
Salvaged from original bags. Limited supply.
(0822b) $10 each
NO. 7
M1885 - 1896 SADDLE BAG YOKE OR SEAT COMPLETE WITH
BOTH LEATHER KEYS AND SLOTTED PLATES: Salvaged from an original
bag with the rivet holes and all of the stitching holes
intact, this seat or yoke has a smooth finish, an even black color,
no crazing or weakness in the leather, and no edge wear or any other
damage or excess wear. Both of the original brass
slotted plates are securely attached and both full
form original leather keys for securing the bags over
the saddle's foot loops are present. For restoring
a rare set of Model 1885 or 1896 Saddle Bags with a
deteriorated yoke, this is probably a one time
opportunity to get an original yoke to effect the
repair. I've never seen another on the loose like
this one. (0817) $250
NO. 8
M1879 - 1904 SADDLE BAG SLOTTED KEY PLATE:
Salvaged from original bags. Limited supply.
(0822c) $10
NO. 9
M1879 - 1904 SADDLE BAG TIE DOWN RINGS:
Salvaged from original bags. Limited supply.
(0822d) $10
NO. 10
M1879 - 1904 SADDLE BAG LINER BUTTONS AND RIVETS:
Salvaged from original bags, these are the button and
rivet sets which were set in the back panel of each bag
to which the interior cotton liner was buttoned. Limited
supply. (0822e) $10 per two button and rivet set
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MODEL 1904 BRIDLE BROW BAND - VERY
RARE PIECE TO FIND ON THE LOOSE: This
brow band was a component of the standard Model 1904
Cavalry Bridle.
This brow band is full length, the leather has some
crazing but is generally
smooth, and supple, and the end loops will accept
medallions without tearing.
Virtually impossible to find on the loose, this is old
Bannerman's Island stock and the sort of piece that
doesn't show up on the market today. (0823) $50
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QUARTERMASTER RIDING BRIDLE BROW BAND - VERY
RARE PIECE TO FIND ON THE LOOSE: This
brow band was a component of the Quartermaster Riding
Bridle, which was part of the equipment issued with the
QMD Packer's Saddles and it is pictured in the Manual
for Quartermasters published by the army.
Complete
with both of the correct "US" rosettes which were unique
to this bridle - different from those used on the
cavalry bridles of the same era - this strap which ran across the horse's forehead and
supported the crown piece which passed over the horse's
head and behind the ears. The loop at each end of
this brow band accommodated the double strapped ends of
the crown piece and also was the
point of attachment for the decorative rosettes.
This brow band is full length, the leather overall very
smooth and shiny, and it is stamped in the middle of the
strap "US". The leather is very supple and the loops will accept the
crown piece without tearing.
Virtually impossible to find on the loose, this is old
Bannerman's Island stock and the sort of piece that
doesn't show up on the market today. (0817) $125
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MODEL
1904 McCLELLAN SADDLE QUARTERSTRAP SQUARE RINGS:
The standard square rings found on the M1904 McClellan
Saddles. $3 each or $10 for 4.
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CIVIL
WAR ERA CAVALRY OFFICER’S STRAP SET:
I honestly have no idea for what this strap and buckle
set was used, however due to the yellow enameled leather
trim, and brass faced buckles, it was obviously used by
a mid-19th Century cavalry officer. I picked
this set up years ago in a quantity of loose straps that
were gleaned off of Bannerman’s Island in the final days
and the man that found it on the island couldn’t offer
any additional info. I suspect it may
have been part of a breast strap or a stabilizing strap
for a pair of pommel holsters, as the leather is heavier
than what is found in a waist or sabre belt. The main
strap is fairly substantial, measuring 36.5” long and
just over 1.5” wide. The yellow enameled leather covers
one side of the strap and turns up over the black
leather body to form a decorative edge. The leather is
supple with no breakage or weak points, and there is a
standing loop sewn at one end where the strap is turned
back on itself. The two buckle assemblies that come
with the strap are a perfect match and were obviously
part of the same piece of equipment when it was intact.
The buckles are brass faced iron, that is iron buckles
covered with a brass foil rather than plated, indicating
this piece dates from at the latest the Civil War, and
perhaps predates the War. There is a billet present on
each buckle piece, but they have been shortened or lost
their tips with the passage of time. Assembling this
set into a piece you could display with your officer’s
saddle would take very little effort and just a little
imagination - a good winter project. With the rarity
and desirability of cavalry officer’s accoutrements and
saddle equipment, this piece would be well worth the
effort. $250
 
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ORIGINAL GRIMSLEY
ARTILLERY DRIVER'S SADDLE POMMEL HOOK:
This is an original Rein Hook for the Civil War era
Grimsley Artillery Driver's Saddle which was mounted on
the outside face of the saddle pommel. The base
metal is iron which was brass-faced or plated on the
surfaces which would remain exposed once the hook was
mounted on the saddle. This hook is "new old
stock", showing no evidence of ever having been mounted
on the saddle. The brass faced portions still
retain the majority of the brass and the hook retains
the iron, brass faced loop which bore the strap which
connected the saddle to the draft collar worn by the
horse. These hooks were unique to the Grimsley
Artillery Driver's Saddle and are not commonly found on
the loose. This would be an interesting addition
to a Civil War or Indian War artillery display, or as a
display hook in your collection room.
SOLD
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MULE HARNESS "US" BRIDLE ROSETTES:
This matched pair of "US" embossed rosettes were used on
the blinders of the mule and draft horse bridles, but
could also be used for any number of related projects.
A nice set with all of the attaching tabs intact.
$25
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AN
ORIGINAL
2ND PATTERN MODEL 1904 McCLELLAN SADDLE QUARTERSTRAP SAFE:
This is the quarterstrap
safe used on the 2ND
Pattern Model 1904 McClellan
Saddles.
The safe is full form with the
large iron girthing ring held in place by the two
leather loops riveted to the backing piece. The leather loops
holding the iron ring are in good condition and full
form, and are
still firmly in place. The iron ring has some
minor pitting, but is overall very clean. The
leather body is in very nice condition with all the
edge stitching intact and overall retaining a clear
shiny surface. The sheep wool backing shows wear
and fur loss, a typical sign of aging on these safes but
it does not affect the safe's integrity or display
quality.
These safes are very difficult to find on the loose to
restore your saddle and they seldom show up on the
market.
SOLD
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INDIAN WAR BRIDLE CROWN PIECE – SADDLER MADE FROM
A CIVIL WAR CARTRIDGE BOX SHOULDER STRAP:
For the early Indian War Cavalry collector, this rare
bridle crown is literally a once-in-a-lifetime offering.
No doubt made at a frontier post by a unit saddler, this
bridle crown was cut from a Civil War Cartridge Box or
Carbine Shoulder Sling, as evidenced by the legible oval
Civil War era Ordnance Department Sub Inspector’s stamp
on the leather.
The use of these pieces of recycled Civil War leather is
well documented, most importantly in relation to this
bridle crown, on pages 83 through 85 in
The American Military Saddle 1776-1945 in the
description of the First Pattern Model 1874 McClellan
Saddle. The Model 1874 Saddle pictured on these
pages was manufactured using several pieces of Civil War
surplus leather, to include the stirrup straps, safes,
girth safes and stirrup hoods. On page 239 of the
same reference, in Figure 4, is shown the safe of the
Model 1874 Girth that accompanied this same saddle,
manufactured from the flap of a Civil War Cartridge Box
with the legible contractor’s stamp still visible.
The financial constraints of the Indian War Ordnance
Department demanded that any usable material be
incorporated into the manufacture of the soldier’s
equipment and this bridle crown is a prime example of
that frugal practice. These “recycled” pieces were
often used up in the field, dramatically reducing their
survival rate and hence their availability today.
This bridle crown measures 22 ¾” long and 1 3/8” wide,
is cut to incorporate both the cheek and throat latch
billets and features two arcs in the profile to allow
the crown to fit around the horse’s ears. In
addition to the residual inspector’s stamp, the number
“41” is carved into the exterior and interior surfaces
of the crown, likely a unit inventory number, further
arguing that this piece was saddler made for use by the
regular soldiers and not a special item made for an
officer or some later use of surplus leather. The
leather is supple, has a smooth even finish, shows use
but no damage or excessive wear to the billets and all
of the holes in the billets are intact.
The rarity of these saddler made pieces cannot be
overstated and I strongly suspect that this piece was
made and was in use contemporary to the 1870’s.
This bridle crown will make an important addition to a
sophisticated early Indian War Cavalry collection.
There are several modern saddlers who are familiar with
the US Army 19th Century horse equipment who could
fashion the matching lower billets to complete this
crown. $200
      
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MODEL 1917 MOUNTED CANTEEN STRAP HOOK - ORIGINAL NEW
OLD STOCK - EXCELLENT CONDITION: This is
an original spring snap hook to complete the leather
suspension strap on a Model 1917 Mounted Canteen.
New, old stock, this unique snap hook features the small
stud in the strap slot which engaged the holes in the
strap to keep the canteen hanging upright. Have
only a few of these scarce snap hooks.
SOLD
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ORIGINAL SET OF 3 COAT STRAPS FOR THE MODELS
1904-1928 McCLELLAN SADDLES: A matched set of 3
full length, russet leather coat straps, in excellent
condition, and complete with the correct darkened bronze
buckles correct for the M1904-1928 McClellan Saddles.
These three appear to have been removed from a saddle;
in fact two of the straps still retain the bronze
equipment rings from which they depended on the saddle.
All three are rolled in the standard “pig tails” – the
way in which the soldiers rolled them when they were not
carrying the blanket rolls on the saddles.
At least one of the straps is still fitted with the
riveted leather stop that prevented the straps from
being lost from the saddle. I left these three just
like I found them, rolled in the original pig tails.
While the leather is in excellent condition and remains
supple, and the straps could be unrolled for mounting on
your saddle, in the interest of saving their appearance
as they were last used, I chose to leave them as is.
The leather surfaces are bright and smooth with no
crazing or flaking, and as stated above, the leather is
still pliable. The tip of each strap is stamped with
the bench worker’s initials.
Extremely rare items to find on the loose, coat straps
are usually missing from the saddles and are necessary
to complete your display. This set is in excellent
condition and they would be a perfect match for a very
nice Model 1904-1928 Saddle.
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